What makes a walk a pilgrimage? by Revd Simon Lockett

Revd Simon Lockett is Vicar of the benefice of Madley with Tyberton, Peterchurch, Vowchurch and Turnastone, in Herefordshire's Golden Valley. Rev Si, as he is known locally, has played a…

October 13, 2026 October 13, 2026

Revd Simon Lockett is Vicar of the benefice of Madley with Tyberton, Peterchurch, Vowchurch and Turnastone, in Herefordshire’s Golden Valley. Rev Si, as he is known locally, has played a significant part in establishing the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way, bringing hundreds of visitors to churches and footpaths in this beautiful corner of the diocese. On Saturday 17 October 2026, Rev Si will lead a pilgrimage around the area with Bishop Richard, as part of the diocese’s celebrations of its 1350th anniversary.

I have been asked many times what makes a walk a pilgrimage? The essence of pilgrimage coalesces around three elements. An intention to disengage from the dominant culture. An attentiveness to being transformed by the Divine. An affection for the earth and all its inhabitants including the self.

The simple rhythm of walking, eating and sleeping can create spiritual, physical and emotional well being not just for the individual but for the community that the pilgrim returns to. A pilgrim will always return to their community with the gifts and insights they have gleaned from the path.

To go on pilgrimage connects with self, the earth and, for some, the Divine, whilst disconnecting from the busy, digital world, of consumerism. As Walter Brueggemann explains in his commentary on Genesis [1] to disengage from the culture around you for the sake of faith or spiritual development makes you a sojourner; ‘This is a sophisticated theological motivation for sojourning’ . In the case of Jacob in Genesis the disengagement means he becomes present to the promise and the blessing given first of all to Abraham and Sarah. Jacob’s story of disengagement from the culture leads to two encounters with God: a ladder connecting heaven and earth with angels descending and ascending and a down-in-the-mud wrestling with God.

An acknowledgement of being lost, of being bereaved, of being overwhelmed by the world, of being separated from the good, the higher self or God is a clear motivation for many in becoming a pilgrim. For others there is a sense that we have lost our capacity for awe, an awe that for some is caught up in the divine presence. We might think of the intrinsic awe experienced beneath an oak tree in a storm or the awe of Moses before the burning bush. Both occur on holy ground and then it’s time to throw off those walking boots and dance.

Pilgrimage can also facilitate the need to mark time or to slow time down in the busyness of a distracted world. A need to find yourself again or to reflect on the passing of a loved one. Pilgrimage can help to re-orientate and reset when elements of life are out of sync.

To be a pilgrim is to go wayfaring with the grain of divine wisdom found in creation. A distillation into essence where the outer reflects the inner. A fork in the path, a steep ascent and getting lost mirror challenging or transitional aspects of our lives. A dip in a river on a hot day, a view gazed upon with love and the balm of silence mirror joyous life.

Attention to all of these aspects of pilgrimage deepens sense making. And on this pilgrimage to deepen the deepening we shall participate in some contemplative rituals: Landscape as icon, a Caim protection prayer and a Holy Well blessing. For inspiration we will follow in the footsteps of the peregrinating of St Dyfrig of Madley.