THE PILGRIM ROUTE TO CANTERBURY
The North Downs have acted as a highway since before Neolithic times,but became busier following the murder of Archbishop Becket in 1170. By the eighteenth century the term 'Pilgrims' Way' referred to ancient trackways in the south of England used by pilgrims journeying to Becket's shrine. Although these routes radiated from Canterbury they did not include the route taken by Chaucers' pilgrims in the'Canterbury Tales' but were prehistoric tracks used by pilgrims travelling to or from the continent via Dover along the Via Francigena. The principal pilgrim route ran between Winchester and Canterbury, much of which is now busy with traffic and therefore is no longer a viable walking route. Nonetheless, our route, a section of the North Downs Way, does coincide with some of the places that Chaucer's pilgrims visited and parts of the Pilgrim Way marked on maps. Overall, this is a gentle walk, with beautiful views below you across the 'Garden of England'; as well as a historic route leading to England’s most eminent cathedral city.
£235 per person for 4 nights, 3 days walking
Full details at:
(Click here) The Road to Canterbury
