The Pilgrims' Way

Follow in the footsteps of medieval pilgrims on the Pilgrims’ Way, a 230km (138 mile) historic route from Winchester or London to Canterbury Cathedral in Kent, home of St Thomas Becket’s shrine. This iconic trail winds through rolling chalk downs, ancient woodlands, and pastoral farmland, passing quaint villages, market towns, and historic churches along the way.
With relatively easy walking on ancient pathways, the Pilgrims’ Way can be comfortably completed in under a fortnight and is suitable for walkers of all abilities. The route is presented in 15 manageable stages of 7–22 km (5–14 miles) and can be walked from Winchester Cathedral or Southwark Cathedral in London, with an optional link via Rochester.

Step-by-step, stage-by-stage route descriptions for the Pilgrims’ Way from Winchester in Hampshire (138 miles) or Southwark Cathedral in London (90 miles) to Canterbury, including the optional Rochester link for a flexible pilgrimage itinerary
Each stage includes 1:50,000 OS mapping, distance, estimated walking time, terrain summary, and navigation notes for walking across the North Downs, Weald, and historic English countryside
Detailed accommodation listings for inns, B&Bs, and guesthouses, plus refreshment stops and public transport information for each stage along the Pilgrims’ Way
Insight into the history of the pilgrimage, including St Thomas Becket, medieval churches, ancient pathways, and notable landmarks along the route
GPX files for the Pilgrims’ Way included for easy digital navigation on GPS devices or smartphone apps
Facilities table providing quick reference for each stage of the Pilgrims' Way, helping walkers plan daily sections, access services, and make the most of their journey


Plan your Pilgrims’ Way adventure with confidence and enjoy the rolling downs, historic towns, and centuries of heritage along this unique English pilgrimage route with this comprehensive guidebook.