Journeying | Pilgrimage Holidays | Christian Walking Holidays | Christian Short Breaks

In July next year, Journeying pilgrims led by team members, Phil and Graham, together with Wendy from 'Mull Another Way', will walk and explore the rugged and very beautiful landscape of the Island of Mull. By way of an appetizer here's an account of our first journey to the island... A blanket of 'dripping wet' shrouded the hills as we drove in convoy along the narrow-rutted stone track that led to camp number three. Pot holes were brim full of water, hedgerows dripped on either-side and beyond that, tall grass, hung heavy by rain that had only just stopped falling, sloped away into the mist below. We swung the vehicles into the lonely corral at the end of the track. All around…

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On a lovely sunny day nine pilgrims gathered at St Mary's Convent in Wantage, to spend the weekend together enjoying our surroundings and each other's company. The Convent is quite a large building and easy to get lost in, but we soon found our way around and were able to take advantage of the many things it had to offer. These included an art room, various sitting rooms, a library and the lovely St Mary's Chapel. The beautifully tended grounds were amazing, with several gardens and an apple orchard in which to sit and relax, or simply to walk around at our own pace and in our own time. On our first afternoon we visited the John Betjeman Millennium Park, as he…

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This new Pilgrimage route from Bath to Glastonbury is so called because it starts and ends with Holy Springs and follows the natural water courses that link Bath Abbey, Wells Cathedral and Glastonbury Abbey. Following canals, streams and rivers, through some of Somerset's most beautiful countryside, our group of 6 pilgrims, from as far afield as Belgium, had the most delightful week of walking together with God. Following many parts of the East Mendip Way, our journey of 60 miles was one of surprises: being caught in a huge thunder and lightning storm in the middle of a meadow, getting to sing 'Jerusalem' with The Precentor, the Reverend Canon Tim Stevens, in the glorious Chapter House of Wells Cathedral AND then…

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On Saturday 10th August a group of 13 people and 2 dogs met at St Mary's Church in Bishops Cannings for the start of a 6 mile walk around the Wessex Downs. We set off towards the canal towpath and on our way passed the biggest number of goats in a field that we had ever seen! The canal was quite busy and the bridge was held closed for us to cross before being opened to allow some barges through. We followed the canal for some time before heading up and across the road, to begin our ascent towards the Wansdyke ridge. On reaching the top we were treated to some wonderful views in all directions. It was rather windy up…

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Eleven guests joined us for a week's exploration of the Isle of Man in glorious weather which certainly bucked this summer's pattern! We stayed in a retreat house in Peel on the Island's west coast named "Thie Dy Vea." The name means 'House of Life' in Manx Gaelic and it provided us with superb comfort, delicious food and warm hospitality. From here we used our transport passes to journey to near and far corners of the Island, offering walks of around five miles each day. A walk on our first full day, Friday, took us over Peel Hill, along the coast and down a permissive path through Knockaloe where we visited a small Museum, The Knockaloe Centre.…

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Gill Page and Sue Degnan led a day walk from Kettlewell to Starbotton in the Yorkshire Dales on behalf of Journeying in mid April. We met in Kettlewell (Knapeley in the film Calendar Girls). The walk crossed the river Wharfe and climbed steadily on a rocky path up to a beautiful, typical Dales farmhouse - Moor End Farm, and provided fabulous views along Wharfedale and the meandering course of the river. We descended through coppiced woodland to re-cross the river at a footbridge and lunch in the village of Starbotton, including a drink at the local hostelry. The return path followed the Dales Way through the fields alongside the river. We experienced true April weather with sunshine and showers, but in spite…

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The Skellig Isles lie eight miles off the coast of County Kerry, Ireland. For years, Skellig Michael, the larger of the two adjacent islands, was home to perhaps the most isolated Christian community the world has ever known... Journeying has travelled to Skellig Michael on several occasions. We re-discovered this poem a while ago written following our visit in 2004. SKELLIG MICHAEL Mysterious Skellig, awesome rock, Atlantic force for thy embrace - Today to me your strength unlock To share with saints of old, your face. Great Skellig! O wondrous Skellig, living rock Adorned with flowers of vibrant hue, Where sea birds for their nesting flock And God still speaks - with words anew. Great Skellig! (Jennifer Smith. May 2004) Image: The Skellig Isles with Skellig Michael on the right.

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Our first day walk of the year was in Wiltshire on the edge of the Cotswolds. A lovely sunny start to the day had turned cloudy as ten people and two dogs set off from the village of Yatton Keynell. The chosen route had taken the time of year into account, but as we turned off the road onto the first field path it became clear that prolonged periods of rain had resulted in some muddy ground. Surface conditions improved as we picked up what seemed an ancient trackway following the parish boundary. Our proximity to the Castle Combe Race Circuit was evident as the sounds of nature struggled to make themselves heard over roaring engines. A stretch of road…

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