On Saturday, 6 September, the final section of the family-friendly Athelstan Pilgrim Way will be launched. The unique pilgrimage offers a free opportunity to enjoy the beauty of North Wiltshire and its historic churches in an environmentally sustainable way.
The current walking and cycling pilgrimage, a Church of England initiative, is 100 miles long and the new 40-mile extension includes an addittional 11 Churches between Malmesbury and Cricklade. Walkers and cyclists can also enjoy shorter routes between the Churches.
There is also a children's pilgrimage, with a series of booklets following Stan the dog, who travels in search of other dogs hidden in each of the churches.
The opening of the route will be celebrated with a launch event at St Sampson’s Church, Cricklade, at 2.30pm on Saturday 6 September. The afternoon will feature a talk by writer, environmentalist and broadcaster, Martin Palmer. Martin co-founded the internationally renowned Alliance of Religions and Conservation with HRH Prince Philip and is also the author of ‘Sacred Land’. Tickets can be booked by clicking the link at the bottom of this article.
Prior to the Launch, there will be an organised 4.5-mile walk to St Sampson’s Church, starting from Leigh Chancel, visiting All Saints Church, Leigh, along the way. In addition to this, on Sunday, 7 September, there will be an organised walk from All Saints Church, Crudwell to Holy Cross Church, Hankerton, starting at 2pm. A Cream tea will be provided at Hankerton, followed by a short evening service and a return to Crudwell by a different route.
Click here to book tickets for the 6 September launch event.