An English Pilgrim: Discovering England's Ancient Ways

A deeply evocative and personal reflection on the rural pilgrimage routes – in their many forms – that cross our nation, from Luke Sherlock, author of the award-winning Forgotten Churches.

Pilgrimage is a rich and ancient practice, and one that retains ever-evolving cultural relevance today. The act of meaningfully walking the land – whether tracing a well-trodden ancient route or piecing together your own contemplative path – can offer an immensely valuable sense of perspective, meaning and discovery.

In An English Pilgrim Luke Sherlock walks and reflects upon some of England’s and his own key pilgrimage routes – from ancient ways seeing a fresh revival, to personal paths shaped by his own search for connection and understanding. Along the way he introduces some of England’s most bucolic landscapes, celebrates the communities who are quietly upholding the traditions of pilgrimage, and explores why these journeys – so steeped in history – remain so valuable to modern life.