THE AYLESFORD PILGRIMAGE WALK (KENT) - 13 MILES
ABOUT THE WALK AND MY STORY -
I first walked through the area in 1977, walking the Pilgrim's Way from Winchester to Canterbury, as part of my final preparations for walking Britain's coastline two weeks later. More recently I walked from London to Canterbury and when I reached Rochester I took a wrong turn and ended almost at The Friars before turning back and following the correct route via Sittingbourne. About the same time I began my training in the Interfaith Seminary, having our first retreat at The Friars. It is therefore, for me, a special place and area.
As always I kept thinking what next, having just finished another walk book. Moments later the idea of doing a short pilgrimage walk from Rochester to The Friars at Aylesford materialised. Three days later ona dry but cool Saturday morning I caught the early train to Rochester and at 9.15 am was walking along the High Street, passing the many historical buildings. Then into the cathedral for a meditation and walk round seeing its splendour and treasures. I lit a
candle in memory of the pilgrim, William Perth. Then I set off out the west door and past the castle to the Esplanade beside the River Medway.
En route passing the Short Bros. plaque and then onto the Medway Bridges, passing under them to follow the path along the “sea wall”. No one about apart from a noisy green woodpecker and a flock lapwings gentle flitting through the air. In time I came to Wouldham and its church - dedicated to All Saints and where Nelson's friend, Walter Burke is buried -and a shop and inns. A short road out of the village led to the Old Church Road with the now redundant church, dedicated St. Mary the virgin, ahead. But it is not that easy
for I looped around by the river to see Battle of Medway memorial stone, opposite Snodland, before reaching the church and its two Norman fonts. Here I sat outside munching a chocolate bar before pressing on.
The path now weaves around far from the river, passing the sites of cement works, a solar power station and a sewage works; all part of life’s rich tapestry! Moments later the jewel of the walk emerged and turned right into The Friars, after a five hour walk. Here I could spend the afternoon exploring the Priory complex, meditate in the Relic Chapel, walk The Rosary route and see the Marian Shrine, visit the Peace Gardens and have drink in the thatched West Barn.
Two hours later I reluctantly left this peaceful tranquil place and walked to the rail station to catch the train back to London. It had been a very moving and memorable day seeing the work of man in Rochester Cathedral and the devotion of the Carmelites at The Friars. I felt invigorated, renewed and humbled as the train sped along.
May you too wonder at the magnificence of these two spiritual places and enjoy the walk in nature along Mother Earth.
Many blessings,
A5 Walk Guide, placed in a plastic wrap around cover and signed by John Merrill.
Embroidered Pilgrim cloth badge and signed certificate by John Merrill for all successful pilgrims.
All walkers added to my Walkers Roll of Honour page.