A New Chapter for the Walsingham Way Pilgrimage

Rob Ashwell reports on the launch of the new 29-mile Walsingham Way pilgrimage route from King’s Lynn to Walsingham, celebrating its rich history and spiritual heritage. 

On Saturday 6 June, I attended the launch of the New Walsingham Way Pilgrimage Walk at King’s Lynn Minster. The event marked the official unveiling of the route by the committee established to develop and approve the pilgrimage.

Those in attendance included:

• The Very Reverend Canon Peter Rollings, former Director of the Walsingham Pilgrimage Committee and Parish Priest of the Catholic Parish of King’s Lynn
• The Revd Canon Dr Mark Dimond, Rector of King’s Lynn Minster
• Cllr Steve Bearshaw, Mayor of King’s Lynn
• Phil Eke, Senior Tourism Officer, King’s Lynn and West Norfolk Council
• Dr Paul Richards, historian and Deputy Chairman of the St Margaret and St Nicholas Parish Trust
• Around 60 other guests

The launch included a talk by Dr Paul Richards on the history of pilgrimage and Margery Kempe, the fifteenth-century spiritual mystic, European pilgrim and author of the first autobiography in the English language, The Book of Margery Kempe.

King’s Lynn Minster was the spiritual home of Margery Kempe, who undertook many pilgrimages during her lifetime.

A film crew making a documentary about her life was also present, along with an actor dressed in fifteenth-century clothing.

Following the launch, a group walked the opening section of the route. Among those taking part were members of the 9th King’s Lynn RC Scout Group, my daughter, Bridie Ashwell, who is the Scout Leader, and my wife, Julie Ashwell.

The 29-mile King’s Lynn to Walsingham pilgrim trail has now officially launched to promote physical and spiritual wellbeing, green tourism, heritage discovery and support for village businesses along the route.

The historic King’s Lynn to Walsingham pilgrimage was followed by English kings and queens before the Reformation in the 1530s. This route offers an excellent opportunity for walking and cycling in manageable stages, with natural rest stops at religious buildings along the way.

Several years in the making, the new trail largely follows flat and uneven surfaces, providing an easy-to-mild challenge for walkers and cyclists. Please note that at least one section of the route is suitable only for walking and mountain bikes.

The trail begins at King’s Lynn Minster in West Norfolk and heads east. Alternatively, pilgrims may begin at the Pontifical Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Our Lady’s Church, where the Shrine was restored in 1897.

The western starting point is King’s Lynn Minster, situated in the historic Saturday Market Place in the heart of the town. Founded by the first Bishop of Norwich, Herbert de Losinga, in 1101, the Minster has welcomed pilgrims and visitors for more than 900 years.

The route passes through the historic quarter of King’s Lynn, along Stonegate Street and onwards to St Mary’s Church, South Wootton (Waypoint #6). From there, it continues north-east towards Little Walsingham, where walkers will find places of religious interest, refreshment and rest, including the Walsingham Franciscan Friary, founded in 1347.

The King’s Lynn Walsingham Way concludes at the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham (Waypoint #23), renowned for the beautiful ruins of the Priory of Our Lady of Walsingham, one of the medieval world’s most important pilgrimage destinations.

Further information can be found here.

Main image: Canon Dr Mark Dimond & Canon Peter Rollings        

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