Walk the Via Francigena with Pilgrims to Rome

You are invited to join members of Pilgrims to Rome to walk from Shepherdswell to Dover on the Via Francigena. This 9-mile / 14.8-kilometre walk is the second stage of the Via Francigena which stretches from Canterbury to Rome, and is formed of many ancient byways. In the UK, the route follows the North Downs Way National Trail.

Description:

Our walk will leave from Shepherdswell station for those arriving by train. It is possible to meet the group at St. Andrew's Church in Shepherdswell, if preferred. Following a mixture of lanes and footpaths across different terrains, we will finish at St. Edmund's Chapel in Dover at approximately 4pm. En route, we will visit the historic churches of St. Andrew's Shepherdswell, All Saints of Waldershare and St. Edmund's Chapel in Dover. There will be a chance to reflect on pilgrimage and chat to those who have completed the walk to Rome. People of all faiths or none are welcome.

• This walk is open to all but a certain level of fitness and mobility is needed. There is some rough ground and due to the time of year, it will likely be muddy. Please wear appropriate footwear and come prepared for all weather conditions.

• Anyone under the age of 18 must be accompanied by an adult.

• Please bring water, a packed lunch and any snacks you require. There is nowhere to buy food en route but there is a Co-op near Shepherdswell station. We will stop for a quick bite to eat at All Saints Church in Waldershare, but the church is not heated and we we will need to press on to arrive in Dover before dark. There are no toilets en route. There are opportunities for wild wees.

Arriving at the Starting Point:

Shepherdswell is easily accessible by public transport. There are trains back to Canterbury East from Dover at 16.18 and 17.18, arriving 16.46, 17.46. The same train goes on to London Victoria and stations in between. There are also other train options to London via Folkestone and the high speed to St. Pancras. There is some street parking in Shepherdswell and Canterbury carparks can be found here https://www.canterbury.gov.uk/parking-and-roads/find-somewhere-park.

By Donation:

All funds raised will be used by Pilgrims to Rome for our work supporting pilgrims in making their journeys to Rome. We suggest £5, £10 or £20 according to your means.

About the organisers:

This event has been organised by the UK-based charity Pilgrims to Rome. Our charitable aim is to support pilgrims undertaking a pilgrimage on the Via Francigena on foot, by bike or on horseback. We are a membership organisation.

The walk will be led by two Canterbury residents and Pilgrims to Rome volunteers - Victoria Field and Julia Lewis. Both Julia and Victoria have walked Canterbury to Rome and will be able to answer any questions you may have about this amazing route.

More information:

If you would like to learn more about The Via Francigena historic pilgrimage route to Rome, or if you would like to join our community by becoming a member, please visit Pilgrims to Rome's webpage here