The Way of St Augustine

Our 21st-century pilgrimage is a journey from Ramsgate on the East Kent coast to Canterbury, considered the heart of Christianity in Britain. Together, we will follow in the footsteps of St Augustine, a Benedictine monk who was sent from Rome by Pope Gregory the Great to bring Christianity to medieval England in 597 AD. Considered to be the founder of the English Church, Augustine became our first Archbishop of Canterbury and was sainted after his death.

This weekend walk along The Way of St Augustine is a modern-day pilgrimage for women of any or no faith. It’s a journey of purpose, an opportunity to reflect and enjoy the soothing rhythm of walking in nature with like-minded companions, through the beautiful Kent countryside. You will learn about nature, history and get a chance to experience some pilgrim practices along the way.

St Augustine chose Kent to start his mission because of the power of its ruler, the pagan King Aethelbert and his Christian Queen Bertha. Augustine’s arrival in England, landing at the harbour town of Ramsgate and journeying to Canterbury with his forty brother monks, has become the stuff of legend, with pilgrims retracing his route over more than a thousand years.

Over our two days together, we will retrace his 19-mile journey, starting in Ramsgate and visiting many sacred sites associated with the Saint, as we journey to the ancient city of Canterbury.

WALK SUMMARY

Date: Friday 3rd to Sunday 5th February 2023 in partnership with global travel company, Walking Women

Description: 3-day pilgrimage walk (2 nights, 2 days walking) from Ramsgate to Canterbury

Price:

£500 (per person, based on solo room occupancy)

£400 (per person in shared twin or king/superking rooms)

Deposit: 10% deposit within 48 hours of booking, balance 10 weeks in advance.

What’s included:

• Accommodation at the 4-star Grove Ferry Inn

• Welcome drink on Friday evening

• Dinner on Friday and Saturday nights

• Breakfast and simple packed lunch on Saturday and Sunday

• Transport to start point in Ramsgate Saturday morning and from Canterbury back to Grove Ferry for those who come by car on Sunday

• 2 days guided walking

• Admission to Canterbury Cathedral*

• Luggage transfer available for those leaving by public transport from Canterbury on Sunday (please advise us if you require this option).

* Please note that access will depend on any cathedral activities and our time of arrival

Optional extras:

• River Stour Canoe Wild adventure (One hour experience in the season March- October) additional £15 per person

About the accommodation:

Accommodation is at the 18th century Grove Ferry Inn, a delightful inn on the banks of the River Stour, in Upstreet near Canterbury. The Inn has two twin rooms and three king/ superking rooms for solos or sharers.

Travelling to the accommodation:

By car: The postcode for sat-nav is CT3 4BP. Parking is available at the hotel

By train: The nearest main stations are Canterbury West or Canterbury East, around 7 miles from the Grove Ferry Inn by taxi. Longley’s Taxis 01227 710777.

By bus: Bus 8 or 8A from Canterbury to Upstreet, Grove Ferry Hill half a mile from the hotel.