“Pilgrimage starts with somebody feeling compelled to set off towards a destination… things are discovered about yourself and others… you feel part of a community”

- The Bishop of Southwark, President of the Friends of Southwark Cathedral

In 2022 a group of Southwark Cathedral friends made their pilgrimage to Canterbury over nine months. During that time friendships were formed and there was a desire to continue our pilgrimages together.

In 2023 we plan to make new pilgrimages to St Albans and Guildford Cathedrals. We hope you will join us to become part of our newly established community. Walking is a great way to meet new friends, explore new places and meet new challenges. There is time to talk, listen and, perhaps most importantly, laugh. You’ll be supported by the group in a common purpose. 

Southwark to St Albans

Across five Saturdays, the Friends of Southwark Cathedral will lead a pilgrimage from Southwark Cathedral to St Albans Cathedral. Everyone is welcome to join any or all of the stages of this pilgrimage. Tickets are available from the Friends of Southwark Cathedral Eventbrite page. 

Stage 1 | 21 January Southwark to Hampstead Heath station (9 miles)

Passing St Paul’s Cathedral, the route follows the Thames Path, through parks, and follow the Regent’s Canal to Primrose Hill, before descending to Hampstead Heath overground Station. 

Stage 2 | 18 February Hampstead Heath to Woodside Park (7 miles)

Cross Hampstead Heath and its northern extensions to Hampstead Garden Suburb, where it may be possible to visit St Jude’s Church (Grade 1 listed). We then follow the Dollis Valley Green Walk. 

Stage 3 | 18 March Woodside Park to Elstree and Borehamwood (7 miles)

We continue to follow the Dollis Valley Green Walk which joins the London Loop, and then take mainly quiet roads and paths to Elstree station (Zone 6). 

Stage 4 | 15 April Elstree and Borehamwood to Radlett (7 miles)

We follow the Watling Chase Timberland Trail through woodlands, open space and farmland to Shenley Park for a picnic/café lunch, then continue to Radlett Station.

Stage 5 | 20 May Radlett to St Albans Cathedral (7 miles)

From Radlett Station, we follow roads and footpaths to join the Ver Valley Walk near Moor Mill, We shall take some time to explore St Albans Cathedral before Choral Evensong.