Pilgrims’ Way

Chalk ridges, cathedral cities, and a journey across southern England.

The Pilgrims' Way is a long-distance route running from Winchester in Hampshire to Canterbury in Kent, following ancient trackways beneath the North Downs. Linking historic cities, villages, woodland, and open countryside, the route traces one of England's most enduring walking journeys, connecting landscapes shaped by centuries of travel, trade, and pilgrimage.

As a self-guided journey, the route connects places such as Winchester, Farnham, Guildford, Dorking, Rochester, and Canterbury while passing through the Surrey Hills National Landscape and Kent Downs National Landscape. Woodland paths, chalk ridges, farmland, and historic settlements create a route defined by continuity, heritage, and a strong sense of connection between place and history.

With manageable terrain and access to towns and villages throughout the journey, the Pilgrims' Way offers a rewarding long-distance walk through southern England. Often sharing sections with the North Downs Way, the trail combines landscape, culture, and history, culminating at Canterbury Cathedral, one of England's most significant historic landmarks.

Overview

Distance 120 miles / 193 km

Duration 9–12 days

Difficulty Moderate

Start Winchester, Hampshire

Finish Canterbury, Kent

Terrain Chalk ridges, woodland tracks, farmland paths, quiet lanes, towns, and villages

Waymarking Not consistently waymarked; often follows the North Downs Way