The Golden Valley Pilgrim Way
OVERVIEW
The Golden Valley Pilgrim Way is a stunning 6/7 day circular pilgrimage route along beautiful and ancient paths that begins and ends at Hereford Cathedral. The trail links the Wye Valley with the Golden Valley and the flower meadows and foothills of the Black Mountains. Once you leave the city and the Cathedral behind, this is a rich and silent land, good for the body as well as the soul.
Approximately 60 miles long you will come across apple orchards, sacred sites, ruined castles, holy wells and Arthurian legends as well as hidden farms that produce local ciders and ice cream. There is a real contrast between gentle wooded river valleys and stunning views of mountain landscapes with one or two spots for wild swimming.
Along the way, you can stay overnight in medieval churches, our night sanctuaries. A beautifully illustrated pilgrim credential (passport), designed by Corin Burgess, can be stamped in each church. All but one of the night sanctuary churches is situated in villages with fine country pubs where you can eat local produce at the end of a day of walking. Hereford Cathedral is situated in the heart of the city of Hereford, with excellent transport links, shops and places to eat.
This pilgrimage uses paths that cross a patchwork of fields, moors and meadows which means it has a slightly more wild and meandering feel to it than a wide and well worn track. It can be wet underfoot even with glorious sunshine. There are many stiles and we have found having a pilgrims staff helps with negotiating these. We would also highly recommend downloading the route using our links so that you can pinpoint where you are and where the path crosses a hedgerow.
The Golden Valley Pilgrim Way project also includes a 2/3 day path again beginning and ending at the Cathedral as well as an 82 mile cycling route.
THE ROUTES
We currently have 3 routes in operation.
Click on the links below to view the routes:
A suggested itinerary for the whole route can be accessed here: GVPW Overview and path description October 2023
A suggested itinerary for the shorter route can be accessed here: 3 to 4 Day Itineray
Self-guided pilgrimage Disclaimer
An historical guide has been written to accompany the routes giving incredible insight into the historic and sacred significance of many of the places you will pass as you travel on this pilgrimage. We are grateful to Ruth and Paul Richardson for their expertise, meaning you can access this information here: http://blancheparry.co.uk/gv_pilgrimage_way.shtml
NIGHT SANCTUARIES
Nine churches along the route are currently offering “night sanctuary”. You can stay inside seven of the churches, at the other two accommodation is provided in the church hall or a bell tent.
The churches are located in the villages of: Madley, Tyberton, Dorstone, Peterchurch, Michaelchurch Escley, Craswall, Clodock, Ewyas Harold and Kingstone.
From March 2023, you are also able to stay overnight in the Cloisters of Hereford Cathedral. We believe that this may be the first time that pilgrims have been able to stay in Anglican cathedral precincts since Medieval times.
A donation of £20 per person is requested for an overnight stay at each location which can be paid at the time of booking.
All night sanctuary accommodation must be booked in advance, for details of how to book drop an email to: abbeydoredmc@gmail.com
BE A PILGRIM
This walk is a form of wayfaring for people of any faith or none giving the opportunity to enhance wellbeing at the level of mind, body and soul. To walk a pilgrimage is a uniquely personal undertaking whether done solo or as part of a community of pilgrims. Â
For some, a pilgrimage is a way of letting go of digital fatigue in order to re-wild the soul or reconnect with the earth. For others, it is a way to find or re-awaken the true self and for many it is a way to encounter the Divine.
Quite apart from seeking peace and enlightenment in wild places, a pilgrimage is also great fun and there will be opportunities to talk with likeminded wayfarers and to eat well (or frugally if you prefer) and visit local hostelries. Â
A wild, frugal, contemplative, spiritual experience of divine presence: an affordable celebration of the incarnational in creation, culture, food and people, by connecting up churches, local businesses, artists, and growers through fellowship around a circular path. It’s a wonderful example of churches combining gifts, skills and vision.
You will traverse dramatic and gentle landscapes and come across ancient sacred sites and mysterious stories. There is the potential for some wild swimming and to experience collective, silent walking. If you wish, you might share a meditative practice within nature.
Why not start an inner journey of self discover with this outer journey and return home with a better idea of what you can give and be.
Be a pilgrim.
