The Padley Martyrs Way
Padley Chapel
A one-day linear rail station to station 11-mile (17 km) modern pilgrimage from the bustling Yorkshire city of Sheffield to Grindleford in the stunning Derbyshire Peak District, for up to twelve pilgrims of any or no faith.
Date: Saturday 25 April contact us for other available dates
Pace: Moderate, around 2 miles per hour.
Price: £39.50 inclusive
Pilgrim Guide: Faye Smith
See beautiful historic church interiors close up as they reveal their secrets
About the Walk
Our 21st-century pilgrimages are largely based in the beautiful Peak District National Park of Derbyshire - now the base of Hope Walking- and are a wonderful way to discover the hidden history of the area. You will learn about nature, your journey companions and get a chance to experience some pilgrim practices along the way.
There is plenty of accommodation, pubs and cafés in central Sheffield. Our starting point at the Roman Catholic Cathedral can be reached easily by foot from the railway and coach stations, both within ten minutes’ walk.
Hope Walking pilgrims
Walk itinerary
We assemble at 9.30 am to begin our pilgrimage, setting our intentions for the day at the Cathedral of St Marie. Opened in 1850, the year of the restoration of the Roman Catholic hierarchy in England and Wales, it is an airy and impressive building with fine furnishings, many of which were funded by the family of the Duke of Norfolk. It was raised to cathedral status in 1980, and in 1982 a window was installed in the south transept (on the R side of Church looking towards the altar) depicting Our Lady flanked by the Padley martyrs, Nicholas Garlick and Robert Ludlum.
The Padley Martyrs Window
The Pilgrim Way route visits Sheffield’s Anglican Cathedral and then the heads west, through the Hallam University campus to reach the green oasis of Endcliffe Park. It then follows the Porter, one of the five rivers upon which Sheffield was built and world-famous cutlery industry developed, out of the City. We pass a popular café in the park, shortly before spotting Shepherd Wheel, a unique Grade II listed building and Scheduled Ancient Monument.
The peaceful river
Dating back to the 1500s, it was one of many small water-powered grinding workshops along Sheffield's rivers. The workshop played an instrumental role in the city’s cutlery industry right up until the 1930s and is the earliest complete example of its kind.
Reaching open country at Ringinglow with stunning views back over the city at the half way point, we will enjoy the picnics we have brought outside. Drinks and toilet facilities are available in the Norfolk Arms.
View looking back over Sheffield
The Way climbs gently into the Peak District, England’s first and largest national park, over Houndkirk Moor and then descends into the picturesque Burbage Valley to follow Padley Gorge before joining a track leading to the Chapel.
Padley Hall was the home of the recusant Fitzherbert family and in 1588, the house was raided by Richard Topcliffe, a notorious priest hunter and torturer. Priests Nicholas Garlick and Robert Ludlum were arrested on the charge of being Catholic priests. They were quickly taken to Derby and executed there, just days before the Armada was spotted off Cornwall. John Fitzherbert was imprisoned in the tower of London until his death two years later.
Annual pilgrimages were started in honour of the martyred priests as long ago as 1898 and continue to this day. During excavations in 1933, an altar slab was discovered and repositioned within the building for the first Mass held within it in July 1933.
The late Pope Francis declared 2025 a Jubilee or Holy Year, and the theme he chose was special for us, 'Pilgrims of Hope'. Padley Chapel is in the Hope Valley. It was a 'valley of hope', for many Catholics of the High Peak and for others, who walked to it, over the centuries. Where possible, a pilgrim blessing will be conducted here in the Chapel by one of the Friends of Padley Chapel Welcomers.
Grindleford station from which trains leave for Sheffield and Manchester along the Hope Valley Line, is a short walk from the Chapel. There is a café beside the station and an outstanding 4 * hotel at The Maynard on the road above, should you wish to extend your stay in this beautiful part of the world. Tideswell’s minister, Revd Fiona will send us off with an optional pilgrim blessing whenever her duties allow.
Revived in body, mind and spirit, we say farewell to our journey companions and depart refreshed with some special pilgrim practices to bring peace and comfort into our everyday lives.
Walk Summary
Date: Saturday April 25th
Description: 1-day modern pilgrimage walk starting 9.30 am, concluding around 5.00 pm, open to women and men.
Grade: Moderate
Price: £39.50 per person, includes all church donations and guiding.
*Please bring your own lunch and drink.
Walk guide: Faye Smith
Payment: Full payment on booking please to secure minimum numbers of 6 persons- no bookings will be taken after 48 hours before the event. All monies will be returned in full should minimum numbers not be reached 48 hours before the event, or should the pilgrimage be cancelled by your guide due to dangerous weather conditions. We walk even in the wet!
What’s included:
Services of pilgrim guide throughout your walk
Pilgrim candle and scrip
Donations to churches
What to bring: Please bring water and a packed lunch. Dress for the weather, stout footwear and walking poles may be useful. Cash may be useful for refreshments and there are toilets at the start of the walk and along the way.
Travelling to the route start:
We always recommend the greenest option of public transport where possible.
Trains: https://www.nationalrail.co.uk/
Buses: https://www.traveline.info/
By train: The nearest train station is Sheffield, 3 miles away from the route start. The TM 65 Travel Bus offers five journeys a day- three on Sundays, departing from the Interchange opposite the railway station.
By car: Satnav postcode to the Cathedral is S1 2JB. All day parking is available throughout the city centre in on-streets and multi storeys.
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?