Journeying & Journaling: Inner and Outer Paths
Join us for a short reflective pilgrimage through the stunning Peak District.
A half-day reflective journaling workshop integrated with a short pilgrimage through the stunning Derbyshire Peak District. Our walk begins at St John the Baptist Church in Tideswell, known as ‘The Cathedral of the Peak’.
Spaces for up to sixteen pilgrims of any or no faith. No writing experience required.
Date: Saturday 21 November 2026
Contact us to book
Pace: An easy four miles.
Price: £35.00 inclusive *concessions available- email us if cost is an issue
Walk leader: Faye Smith
Journalling tutor: Rachel Mills
About the PILGRIMAGE
This is a different sort of Pilgrimage. One where we start with the inner journey of the mind and emotions, before the outer physical one.
As we start our journey together in the mellow-stoned Old Grammar School, Rachel will invite you to think of journaling not just as recording, but as a way of journeying - noticing where you are, where you have been, and how you are moving through life.
Peaceful limestone-walled tracks await us
Through a series of prompts and creative exercises, we will explore both inner and outer journeys through writing, including themes such as movement and rest, change and direction, and what it means to journey alone or alongside others. There will be space to write, pause, and reflect at your own pace.
We will move from this reflective space into the outer journey as together we discover the forgotten stories of these fascinating buildings. Through picturesque lead mining villages, across limestone-walled fields and quiet lanes, we walk gently and breathe the autumn air deeply - letting our inner journey flow from our outer journey.
St John’s, Tideswell- the Cathedral of the Peak
Returning to the Grammar School, we refresh ourselves with a cake break and further journaling exercises. Walking in nature is known to stimulate the creative pathways in an unparalleled way...
At 2pm, pilgrims have the option to stay to eat their packed lunch before we say farewell to our journey companions and depart revived and restored with new reflective pilgrim practices to bring peace and insight into our everyday lives.
Rachel Mills
About your journaling facilitator - Rachel Mills
Rachel has been journaling since the age of nine, using writing to navigate life’s hardest moments and to capture its most meaningful ones. She is passionate about helping people find ways to give voice and language to what may otherwise remain hidden.
Rachel leads a writing group for women who are survivors of abuse through the charity Restored, as well as an adults journalling group and a children's writing group with Sheffield organisation -The Writers Workshop.
Optional Afternoon Advent Crown Making
Pilgrims may also wish to continue their mindful creativity by remaining with us for Faye’s annual seasonally reflective guided Advent Crown making, from 2.30 until 4.30 pm with seasonal drinks and nibbles. Bring your own bag of greenery, all other materials such as wreath bases and candles provided. £10 materials cost, voluntary donation of £10 appreciated for St John’s Community Fund. Only 20 places available.
Message faye@hopewalking.co.uk or see our socials for further details.
Advent Crown making
Walk Summary
Date: Saturday 21 November 2026
Description: Half day journalling workshop and integrated reflective pilgrimage starting 10.00 am, concluding around 2.00 pm.
Grade: Easy
Price: £35.00 per person, includes all church donations, tours and refreshments.
*Please bring water for the walk and lunch if you plan to stay for the afternoon’s Advent Crown making.
Pilgrimage guide: Faye Smith
Journaling leader: Rachel Mills
Deposit: Full payment on booking please to secure minimum numbers- no bookings will be taken after 48 hours before the event.
What’s included:
Services of journaling leader and pilgrim guide throughout.
Hot drinks on arrival.
Tea and cake at the end of the workshop
What to bring: Please bring water and a packed lunch if required. Dress for the weather with stout footwear. Refreshments are included and there are toilets in our venue.
Faith
Hope Walking Pilgrimages welcome pilgrims of all beliefs and none. Faye is an inclusive, progressive follower of Jesus, who encourages respect for everyone’s views throughout. Pilgrims may participate in the variety of practises or not as feels comfortable.
Travelling to the route start:
We always recommend the greenest option of public transport where possible.
By train: The nearest mainline train stations is Sheffield from where the TM 65 Travel Bus offers five journeys a day- three on Sundays, departing from the bus Interchange opposite Sheffield railway station.
By car: St John the Baptist Church - Google Maps
Church Ave, Tideswell, Buxton SK17 8LF
Free on-street car parking in the village. Please park considerately and safely.
Contact us to book
Customer review
“I wasn’t a big walker before I met Faye. My first walk was joining her walking group for a Boxing Day stomp and boy did I love it. 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. Since this time we have walked all over the Peak District, ensuring that I took time to exercise and enjoy Faye's insightful and inspiring company.”
ALEX
Why not start your journey today?