The best part of being a pilgrim

Jo loves the deep connection with nature and precious time to reflect and recharge that pilgrimage offers…

Pilgrimages have been undertaken by followers of most major religions for centuries, but the actual definition of a pilgrimage is a journey into the unknown, where one goes to find out about oneself as much as the travels and the destination.

I have no religious belief. But I do believe in Faye Smith. Faye is passionate about walking, nature, local history and connecting with people.

And so I joined Faye's reconstruction of a pilgrimage from the Church of St Kyneburgha in the picturebook-pretty village of Castor to Peterborough Cathedral. It was a journey of discovery from the moment of departure. 

We walked along the banks of the Nene, spotting wildflowers, catkins, a distant heron and circling hawks and enjoying moments of mindfulness Faye encouraged us to take.

We learned about religious history - why pilgrims journeyed (did you know that centuries ago, the only reason a woman was allowed to leave her village was for pilgrimage?).

St Kyneburgha was the daughter of a pagan King of Mercia, she converted to Christianity and established the Southernmost Celtic double monastery at Castor.

Her remains were translated (moved) after a Viking raid to her chapel at Peterborough Cathedral, which was founded by her brother. It is also the burial place of Katharine of Aragon, Henry VIII's first wife.

But our pilgrimage was also an opportunity to learn about each other.

I travelled down to Peterborough with a business associate. By the time we arrived, Alex and I had shared life stories.

During the walk, people plodded and nattered together, finding out a little about each other before falling into step with someone else. 

We felt like kindred spirits by the time we arrived at the cathedral, where a tea table had been set up for us in one of the knaves - a special pilgrim's privilege!

When we got the brilliant opportunity to climb to the top of Peterborough Cathedral, it was Alex and I who were the first into a tiny tower to clamber up the narrow, winding stone steps to the cathedral roof, the first to twice exit little doorways and gaze down,  at the tiled church floor way too far below. Terror-struck, backs firmly pressed to the wall, we giggled together like kids on a school trip.

The wind-buffeted cathedral rooftop, with its vast views, took away what was left of our breath after the climb and was undoubtedly another highlight.

For me, though, taking some 'me' time, the things I learned and the conversations I'd enjoyed were the real highlights.

I travelled home with Lisa, another business contact, and once again, a deeper relationship was formed.

The natural processes and rhythms of a group walk mean that, by the time you reach your destination, you have pretty much kindled a spark with everyone.

This, surely, must have been the best part of being a pilgrim.

Guest blogger: Jo Davison

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