Peak District & Other Pilgrimages

Inclusive journeys of INTENTION to connect, reflect and restore

for women and men of any or no faith

Mills & Martyrs Tideswell Pilgrimage 2.jpg

Pilgrimages in the Derbyshire Peak District

To walk in nature with others. Reconnect with ourselves and our hopes and purpose. Restore our feeling of well-being and to find a new way forward wherever we are on life’s journey, even moving through loss.

This is the essence of Hope Walking, founded by Faye Smith: Pilgrimages in the Peak District and beyond in some of the most beautiful places in Britain.

From our base in Derbyshire, we offer a range of walks around the stunning White and Dark Peak of Britain’s first and largest national park.

Further afield, in the South, Faye guides around the Kent coast from where medieval pilgrims would depart for Rome and Jerusalem, in the Midlands she guides to the roof of Gothic Masterpiece Peterborough Cathedral.

These are inclusive modern ‘bring your own beliefs’ pilgrimages for women and men of any or no faith, from gentle short days of reflection and nature connection to testing multi day challenge walks and supportive bereavement walks.

So welcome to Hope Walking. We hope you will join us on one of our walks, and meantime why not sign-up for news of our latest walks, tips and blogs?

Our story

Our Journeys

Join us and enjoy one of our guided walks - modern-day pilgrimages in the UK and now in Southern Africa

St Augustine’s Way

A three-day modern pilgrimage following St Augustine’s Way from Ramsgate to Canterbury

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African Adventure - trip of a lifetime with Hope Walking — African Adventure

A personally escorted, two-week adventure across Southern Africa to support community development

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Via Francigena

A one-day 20-mile walk along part of the ancient pilgrim route, from Canterbury to Dover.

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Wapentake Wander

A 10-mile modern pilgrimage around churches in the ancient Saxon Staincross Wapentake, near Sheffield

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Via Francigena

A one-day, 10-mile walk following the ancient Via Francigena from Shepherdswell to Canterbury.

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Peterborough Pilgrimage

A 6-mile modern pilgrimage along the beautiful River Nene to Peterborough Cathedral

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Customer reviews

Here's what some of our customers say about us

“The nature, the views, the company and not forgetting the pit stops, were all fabulous while we shared stories and put the world to rights. I also took time to walk quietly alone and to just breathe and observe the wonderful surroundings.”

ALEXANDRA

“There is something so wonderfully grounding and mindful about walking amongst nature with Faye.

She always plans an accessible, interesting and varied route so we can just enjoy, talk, share and gain the positive energy brought by being outdoors amongst friends.

I always come away feeling revitalised, stabilised and with my worries lessened. It is a wonderfully balancing time.”

LUCY

“My times walking with Faye not only pushed me to be more active and outside more, but they included some key conversations around my business and career that proved invaluable and led to me making some key decisions about my social enterprise.

I always felt mentally and physically refreshed after our walks. They proved a sure way to get me away from my computer, out of the office and into a physical space where I could think more clearly what I needed in my organisation and my life.”

JODIE

“Walking with other women gave me a sense of companionship and support. Faye is interested in people, their journey and the place they are wanting to get to. I started walking for health when I was going through my divorce; it gave me company when I missed my children and became something to look forward to. Faye has also found healing and health through walking and will be a very positive influence on anyone who chooses her as a guide. She is energetic and will bring laughter and fun into the walk, encouraging the weary and listening to those who have things to say.”

“At the end of a walk with Faye, I always feel refreshed in body and soul. Fresh air, exercise, talking and listening to other women – what’s not to like? Even better when it finishes with tea and cake!”

ANNE

Joe and Chris's Canterbury Camino review

“Thank you Faye for a lovely day and lovely memories. You lit up the day with your spiritual guidance.”

JO AND CHRIS

“Faye was a knowledgeable and engaging guide. She made our walk interesting and meaningful, over and above the inevitable pleasure of walking in such beautiful land and seascape.”

STEPHANIE

“What a wonderful day I spent with Faye. She was an inspiration - fun, friendly, knowledgeable and just truly fab. I learned so much and have been catapulted into getting on the case with my book writing.”

HELEN

“What a great day I had on Saturday. Faye was a fantastic guide - enthusiastic, fun and full of really interesting information. A truly wonderful time that will long stay with me.”

LINDA