Pilgrims’ trail, Hampshire, UK

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Distance: 29.1 miles
Start: Winchester Cathedral
Maps: OS Explorer 3, 29, 32

Walking the Pilgrims’ Trail

This long-distance walk begins at Winchester Cathedral and follows one of southern England’s most quietly fascinating routes: the Pilgrims’ Trail, also known as the Hampshire Millennium Pilgrims Trail. It forms part of a wider network of historic pilgrimage paths known as Les Chemins du Mont-Saint-Michel, linking Winchester with the famous tidal island in Normandy.

For centuries, pilgrims travelled along these paths to reach Winchester Cathedral, coming from across Britain and mainland Europe to visit the shrine of St Swithun. A former tutor to the young Alfred the Great, his cult helped turn Winchester into one of medieval England’s most important destinations.

Leaving the city behind, the route follows the line of an ancient Roman road towards Bishop’s Waltham before slipping into quieter countryside via Kingsmead and the Forest of Bere. Woodland tracks, open farmland, and gently rising hills carry you south until the trail climbs over the Portsdown Hills. Here, the sea begins to make its presence felt as you enter the port city, descending through winding streets and along the coastal path towards the port.

The walk finishes at Portsmouth ferry terminal, where the journey can continue across the Channel. Ferries to Cherbourg run both by day and overnight, making it surprisingly easy to extend the pilgrimage all the way to France; booking ahead is strongly advised.

Navigation is straightforward thanks to distinctive green waymarkers showing the silhouette of Mont-Saint-Michel an unusual sight in the English countryside and a reminder of the route’s international story. These contrast with the blue waymarkers used for much of the French section of the trail.

Map:

This map is provided for informational purposes only and is accurate as of the date of publication of this blog. No representations or warranties, express or implied are made regarding the accuracy, completeness, or reliability of the information after that date.

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