Have you ever made a pilgrimage? Spent time out in nature, just walking, reflecting, praying, noticing, and walking some more? Or wished you had but don’t know where to start – literally as well as spiritually? Or haven’t the time or money to go walk-about for an extended period?

Join me on a day’s pilgrimage and discover just how beautiful and life changing it can be.

- The walk will be about 10 miles And we’ll have some fun and enjoy ourselves!

- It will be like a day on a longer pilgrimage, starting and ending in prayer, taking time with the Lord and with one another, making new relationships and deepening others.

- As we walk, sometimes we’ll chat to each other, sometimes walk in silence with something to reflect on or pray through.

- We might sing or do a ‘spiritual exercise.’

- We’ll learn how to take joy in the journey.

When and where and who

Saturday October 19th 2024.

10.30am – 4.30pm

Dorchester-on-Thames, just south of Oxford

Full details of where to meet will provided nearer the time. It is a circular walk and there is plenty of parking where we start/end. It’s 10 miles - my mileage in the photo above included a small errand earlier in the day!

There are two or three places en route where you could opt out and call a taxi if needed (but we really hope that won’t be necessary!). You need the security of knowing that, however.

A group of 16 max (including me!) So do sign up soon. Invite a friend to come with you or come alone, your choice.

What you need - here are some general guidelines for those not too sure.

- Good walking boots or shoes, walking socks, waterproofs (this IS England!)

- a small backpack to carry the day’s needs.

- Comfortable clothes for walking (jeans are not recommended!)

- Your own picnic lunch.

- Plenty of water to drink. I usually carry 2 bottles of water and a flask of hot coffee!

- A moderately good level of fitness. There are a couple of gradual climbs /hills, but we will go slowly when necessary! And pause to look at the view ....

Optional extras

- Walking poles. I like one, other people prefer two.

- Spare sweater.

- Sun cream (there’s always hoping)

- Snacks to keep you energized, eg a good low sugar trail mix or energy bar. Or bananas.

Included in the day’s pilgrimage:

- A fully guided walk of about 10 miles

- Spiritual input and guidance

- Any resources that will be required

- Basic First aid

- Support and guidance as needed before and during the day.

NB: we turn off our mobile phones, or at least put them in airplane mode for the day. And apologies, but no pets this time.

Cost for the day

The cost for all this is just £20, payable in advance; or £25 if paid on the day.

Not included:

- Travel to and from the pilgrimage

- Insurance/cover for any injuries (we hope and pray there won’t be any!)

- Food and drink

This is what the Lord says: “Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.” Jer. 6:16

For centuries, Christians have walked to special places, to take time to be with God and allow God the time and space to work in their lives. A pilgrimage is a setting aside of one’s normal routine, and taking time to reﬂect on what the Lord is saying, and allowing the rhythm of the walk to give mental and spiritual refreshment. It is a physical expression of our spiritual journey with God; it is a time to enjoy the beauty of God’s creation in the company of others; and it is a desire to spend quality time with God in a new way.

It is a walk with a difference.

Winchester Cathedral to Canterbury Cathedral, September 2021

The booking form is below. Copy/paste, to email your completed booking form to me here

To pay: £20 Please quote your name as reference Thank you.

BACS payment

Sort Code: 09-01-28 A/C name: Rev P J Swithinbank A/c no: 77218204

Paypal friends and family: penelope@ministriesbydesign.org

Credit Card: https://penelopeswithinbank.com/orders (please note there is a small admin fee added)

AND - advanced notice and an invitation:

If you enjoy walking on pilgrimage, my husband and I will be leading TWO pilgrimages in 2025.

May - the last week of the Via Francigena into Rome, organised with McCabe Pilgrimages. About 60 miles, plus two days in Rome.

September - a week walking in the Austrian Alps, in the Pitzal area, organised with McCabe Pilgrimages. About 10 miles each day, returning to a lovely hotel where we stay.

Brochures will be out this September, very soon, so let me know if you’d be interested to see them.

A DAY of PILGRIMAGE

Booking Form

Name _________________________________________________________

Address _________________________________________________________

City _________________________________

County ______________________________________________

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Please briefly describe any other retreats or Pilgrimages you have been on

Please briefly describe why you would like to come on the Day of Pilgrimage

Looking forward to walking with you!