ROAD TO THE TRIUMPH

Watch Road to the Triumph

England’s Camino

To England’s Nazareth

The History of England’s Nazareth

The Vision of Lady Richeldis (1061) The story of Walsingham begins in 1061, when Richeldis de Faverches, a devout Saxon noblewoman and Lady of the Manor, was praying for a way to honor Our Blessed Mother. In a series of three visions, the Virgin Mary led her spirit to Nazareth and showed her the house where the Annunciation took place.

At a time when the Holy Land was occupied and the Crusades made travel to Nazareth nearly impossible, Our Lady commanded Richeldis to build an exact replica of the Holy House in Norfolk. This was to be a place where the faithful could find the “joy of the Annunciation” without leaving England.

The Miracle of the Angels Lady Richeldis initially struggled with the construction. Despite having the dimensions, the work did not proceed as planned. However, after a night of fervent prayer, she was awakened by the sound of celestial singing. Looking out, she saw Angels departing and the Holy House miraculously completed—moved nearly two hundred feet from its original foundation to the spot God had chosen.

Why We Walk Today

Walking to Walsingham is not merely a hike; it is a return to the roots of English Christianity.

  • A Focus for Devotion: Just as Richeldis built the house as a focus for the Crusaders, we walk as modern-day crusaders for the “reparation of those who have walked away from God”.
  • The Holy Family’s Footsteps: We draw a parallel between our 173-mile journey and the countless times the Holy Family walked between Nazareth and Jerusalem for religious festivals.
  • The Slipper Chapel: As we reach the final “Holy Mile,” we follow the medieval tradition of removing our footwear at the Slipper Chapel to finish the journey in humble penance

 

Walk to Walsingham 2026: English Camino (Manchester to Walsingham)

Join us for a 9-day walking pilgrimage from Stockport to the National Catholic Shrine of Our Lady in Walsingham (England’s Nazareth). This journey, taking place from Thursday 26th March to Friday 3rd April 2026, is offered for the reparation of those who have walked away from God.

As we make this intentional journey, we focus not just on the physical challenge, but on the inner journey toward heaven and a personal encounter with Christ. By participating, you unite yourself with the Saints, the Patriarchs of the Old Testament, and the Holy Family in a very special way.

The Itinerary

The pilgrimage covers approximately 173 miles over 8 walking days, concluding on Holy Thursday .

  • Day 1 (Mar 26): Stockport (St Joseph’s Church) to Chapel-en-le-Frith (15 miles).
  • Day 2 (Mar 27): Chapel-en-le-Frith to Matlock (23 miles).
  • Day 3 (Mar 28): Matlock to West Bridgford, Nottingham (26 miles).
  • Day 4 (Mar 29 – Palm Sunday): Nottingham to Grantham (26 miles).
  • Day 5 (Mar 30): Grantham to Bourne (20 miles).
  • Day 6 (Mar 31): Bourne to Spalding (22 miles).
  • Day 7 (Apr 1): Spalding to West Newton (24 miles).
  • Day 8 (Apr 2 – Holy Thursday): West Newton to Walsingham Slipper Chapel (17 miles).
  • The final “Holy Mile” from the Slipper Chapel to the Shrine will be walked together in procession while praying the Rosary

Pilgrimage Details

Cost: £220.

Includes: 8 nights of basic accommodation (roof over your head), support vehicles, hi-viz vests, cereal, milk, tea, coffee, and first aid kits.

Not Included: Lunch and evening meals; pilgrims are responsible for their own food.

Transport: Pilgrims must arrange their own transport home from Walsingham.

What to Bring (Essential Checklist) Space in support vehicles is limited; please bring only essentials:

Footwear: Well broken-in walking shoes/trainers and a spare pair for evenings.

Clothing: Waterproof rain jacket and trousers, plenty of layers (base layers, fleeces), warm hat, gloves, and a snood .

Gear: Sleeping bag, small backpack (for food/water), and a blow-up mattress if preferred.

Health: Blister pads (Compeed), antiseptic wipes, Vaseline, and general toiletries.

Contact Information For more information or to book your place, please contact:

Contact: Stephen Gallagher

Mobile: 07851 609832

Email: stockport.walsingham.camino@gmail.com

 

Walk to Walsingham 2026 – Expression of Interest

Thank you for responding to Our Lady’s call. This 173-mile 'English Camino' from Stockport to the National Catholic Shrine of Our Lady is a journey of reparation and a 'walk to freedom'. Please note that this is a physically demanding pilgrimage, with some days covering up to 26 miles. We provide a support vehicle and basic accommodation (a roof over your head), but all pilgrims are responsible for their own lunch, evening meals, and return transport. Before registering, we ask that you 'leave all expectations at home' and prepare for a simple, prayerful, and intentional journey towards Christ. Cost: £220 (Includes 8 nights accommodation and basic breakfast supplies)

Name(Required)
Email(Required)
While pilgrims are responsible for their own meals, it is helpful for you to know about serious allergies or medical conditions.
Emergency Contact Name
Crucial for an 8-day trek
Are you comfortable walking between 15 and 26 miles per day for 8 consecutive days?
Expectations Agreement(Required)

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