ST CHAD'S PILGRIMAGE WALK - 30 MILES

ABOUT THE WALK AND MY STORY -

I had long wanted to do a pilgrimage walk to St.Chad’s Cathedral in
Lichfield; with living in the Peak District it was always on my horizon. I also planned a pilgrimage walk from Lichfield through the Peak District to Mam Tor - 86 miles. As I began planning I learnt that St. Chad's bones had been removed from his cathedral in Lichfield, during the Reformation and were now housed in the unique St. Chad cathedral in central Birmingham. So I had a starting point and destination, his magnificent medieval cathedral in Lichfield.

I have walked to other Lindisfarne saints, including St. Cedd, whose
remofe chapel is on the Dengie Peninsula in Essex. And, I have walked St. Cuthbert’s Way to Lindisfarne, a popular pilgrimage destination to see St. Aidan’s statve there, who trained both St. Cedd and Si. Chad. I have also completed a 420 mile pilgrimage walk up the eastern half of England to St. Cuthbert’s shrine in Durham Cathedral. So this short pilgrimage walk was very much like coming home. And like St. Chad himself, would be walking all the way.

Because of disrupted train services, I decided fo do it over two days, so that I didn’t feel rushed and could enjoy a mass in St. Chad’s Cathedral in Birmingham, before I set off. I would also be able fo enjoy Lichfield and explore that cathedral fully and have time for quiet reflection.

I set off from Birmingham New Street Station and made for Birmingham's St. Philip cathedral. Then onto St. Chad’s Roman Catholic Cathedral, 1/2 mile away. After mass and seeing his relics box, in the altar, I set off and joined Birmingham's canal network, which would make walking out of the city a pleasant experience. First along the Birmingham & Frazeley Canal to Salford Junction and the Tame Valley Canal. Above me wos spaghetti Junction, where a host of motorways and main roads meet. I have offen driven over them not realising there was this tranquil 200 year old transport route just below. Quite a contrast to the noise and hustle and bustle of motorway traffic, to a peaceful canal at 3 mph!

! soon left it and began following cycle route 535 which would take me on quiet paths through countryside and past lakes to Sutton Park.
Shortly after leaving the Tame Valley Canal I stopped in tracks on a
rough stony track. There at my feet was a pilgrim badge! To “The
Miraculous infant Jesus of Prague”! I couldn't believe the synchronicity on so many levels. I have walked to Prague and the badge was a sign from my angel that all would be well on this pilgrimage.

I walked on to Brookvale Park and along the paths past it and onto
Witton Lakes. Next was Perry Common and past a bird sculpture.
Gaining Banner Gate Road, I passed St. Columba’s church, another
moment of synchronicity, for it was on lona, where St. Columba was
based, I received confirmation of my life’s path! I walked humbly on into Sutton Park. I kept to the tarmaced drive at first, then turning left to pass the Scout Jamboree monument before continuing onto Streetly Gate.

From here I road walked through Streetly and hoped to walk along the Roman Road to Little Ashton church, but it is not a public right of way and had to road walk there with views to St. Peter’s church. Nearby I picked up Forge Lane which I followed to a footpath near Bagot’s Barn (Farm) and onto Footherley Hall. The hall is now part of the NHS and run by the Sisters Hospitallers.

Soon afterwards I was back on footpaths after helping to steer a
runaway cow out of o private garage! Then it was on past Shenstone
and the hamlet of Chesterfield before crossing the A5 and into the
village of Wall and the first inn actually on the walk! I sat in the shade by St. John the Baptist church and looked down on the Roman remains in the field below.

A local advised me that Claypit Lane wos closed due fo a new housing
estate being built, so I headed past Wall Farm and a path to Wall Lane, with my first views of St. Chad’s cathedral. So near yet so far! At Fosseway Court I turned right to gain the towpath of the unrestored line of the Wyrley & Essington Canal. Then onto the roads as I entered Lichfield and made my way to the cathedral. All very reminiscent of a European pilgrimage, with cafe’s adorning the road sides, with tables and shades. Then reaching The Close, I turned right to the cathedral. 

Took my time absorbing the compelling of the mighty three towered
medieval cathedral. I came close to the west front, arguably the finest cathedral feature in England, adorned with carvings of many saints. I looked up and saw my friend St. Cedd and knew I had reached home.

I walked into the cathedral and walked round in a bit of a daze,
realising this was the pilgrimage’s end. I found the shrine of St. Chad
and placed my hand on the stonework and said a a prayer and a thank you. Beside it was a sculptor of St. Chad. I continued on not really absorbing the beauty of the stained glass windows or the many
monuments. Time fo let the dust settle and return in a few days time and explore fully and appreciate the many facets of this building and St. Chad.

I did return a few days later, on Saturday June 26th. 2021, and had a truly amazing day. By sheer divine intervention the new St. Chad
Statue was dedicated by the Bishop of Lichfield; I got my pilgrim stamp, and met the St. Chad Guide who takes groups on a history your, at St. Chad Well. I alse leant about the Two Saints Way, from Lichfield to Chester ....... another pilgrimage to do!

A5 Walk guide, placed in a palstic wrap around cober, and signed by John Merrill.

Embroidered pilgrim cloth badge and signed certificate from John Merrill, for successful pilgrims/walkers.

Walkers added to me Walkers Roll of Honour page.