England — 190 km — 8–10 days
The Pilgrims’ Way
England’s oldest road — a medieval track from Winchester’s great cathedral to the shrine of Thomas Becket in Canterbury.
The Pilgrims’ Way is England’s oldest road — a medieval track that has drawn pilgrims from Winchester to Canterbury for nearly a thousand years. It follows the route of those travelling to the shrine of Thomas Becket, the Archbishop murdered in Canterbury Cathedral in 1170.
The North Downs Way uses much of this ancient track, weaving along chalk downland ridges with sweeping views across the Weald of Kent. The route passes through some of England’s most quintessential countryside — village greens, ancient churches, apple orchards, and hop gardens — before a final approach to one of the great cathedrals of medieval Europe.
The Route
Stage by Stage
Winchester to Farnham
Leave the ancient capital of England from its magnificent cathedral and follow the Itchen Valley north. Cross the Surrey Hills and arrive at the ancient town of Farnham, gateway to the North Downs.
Farnham to Guildford
Walk the chalk ridge above the Wey Valley with views south to the Weald. Pass through the village of Compton with its Norman church and arrive in the market town of Guildford.
Guildford to Sevenoaks
The finest stretch of the North Downs. High chalk ridgeway walking with panoramic views. Pass through Box Hill and descend to the Darent Valley at Sevenoaks.
Sevenoaks to Chilham
Kentish countryside at its finest — orchards, oast houses, and village paths. Pass through the medieval village of Chilham, one of the most beautiful in England.
Chilham to Canterbury
The final approach. Follow the pilgrims’ ancient route into the city, arriving at the Christ Church Gate and the soaring nave of Canterbury Cathedral.
Your Package
What's Included
Walk the ancient road at your own pace, with every detail arranged ahead of your arrival.
- Hand-picked hotels, inns and B&Bs with private rooms throughout
- Daily luggage transfers
- Detailed route notes with OS maps and waypoints
- Welcome pack with guide to Canterbury Cathedral and Becket’s shrine
- 24/7 local support line
- Regional food and pub guide for the Downs
- Flexible start dates
Everything in self-guided, plus an expert guide and the fellowship of fellow pilgrims.
- Everything included in self-guided
- Expert guide for the full route
- Welcome dinner in Winchester on arrival evening
- Farewell dinner in Canterbury on final evening
- Evening talks on Becket, medieval pilgrimage, and the Crusades
- Guided tour of Canterbury Cathedral including the crypt
- Fixed departures in May, June, and September
Follow the ancient road to Canterbury.
Two thousand years of pilgrims have walked this way before you. We’ll make sure every step is taken care of.