The Canterbury Tale

A pilgrimage by members of St Michael's Catholic Church and St Giles' and St George's Anglican Church was completed on Saturday 15 July when the walkers met up with a group who had travelled by coach for evensong in Canterbury Cathedral.

The walkers started from Otford and walked the 60 miles to Canterbury along the North Downs Way (which coincides with the Pilgrim's Way for much of its route) in five and a half days, staying each night in B&B accommodation and carrying everything they needed with them. Father Rick and two other members of St Michael's joined them on the first day, when an extended shower meant they arrived at their destination soaking wet and in need of hot water and dry clothes, but otherwise the weather was near perfect for walking.

The accommodation requirements meant that the daily distances varied, and some looked forward to Thursday (a good 16 miles) with apprehension, but it was completed in style so that the next two days seemed easy. On the way they found time to explore a number of interesting sites such as Kemsing Church and St Edith's Well; the Coldrum Stones and Kits Coty House burial chambers; Rochester castle and of course Canterbury Cathedral. Apart from one or two minor scrapes and bruises, the party reached Canterbury in good health and fine spirits having enjoyed each other's company (and some convivial suppers) along the way, and fully intending to try other joint-church walks in the future.

Pilgrims on the Way

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