05/09/2026
A group of 16 pilgrims set out yesterday to walk St Edward’s Way, led by Rev Hilary Bond and the acting Bishop of Salisbury, Karen Gorham.
Pilgrims from different Christian churches across Dorset and Wiltshire made up the hardy walkers, who are taking three days to walk the 33 miles, crossing heathland, forest and water meadows, staying overnight in church halls.
The route follows the path taken by people carrying the body of St Edward the Martyr from Corfe Castle to Shaftesbury Abbey. He was reputedly murdered by his stepmother in the 10th century.
The walk was developed by Dorset Ramblers and Bishop Karen led the inaugural pilgrimage in 2021.
First stop at lunchtime on Friday was at St Andrew’s Church, Bloxworth, after a warm morning’s walk.
Hilary encouraged pilgrims to think about what a pilgrimage is – and how it differs from a normal walk. She said it was about the intention you set out with: “We are a group of Christians walking with the intention of connecting with the world around us, with one another, and with God, with the hope that might change us by the time we get to the end.”
Jane and Robert live in Poole and worship in Lilliput. They haven’t been on pilgrimage before. Jane said she joined the walk to lay down the busyness of Church life and hoped to experience God during the walk, and feel held by him.
Andy and Philippa from Calne said they had talked for a long time about going on pilgrimage and this was also their first time.
Philippa said: ”I hope it will allow me to find God in a different way, a new way.”
Pictured are the pilgrims leaving St Andrew's, Bloxworth.
