The Pilgrims’ Way is a historic long-distance route linking Winchester in Hampshire with Canterbury in Kent, a journey of around 120 miles (193 km). For centuries, it was followed by pilgrims visiting the shrine of Thomas Becket at Canterbury Cathedral. Today, walkers can still follow much of this ancient trackway, often overlapping with the North Downs Way National Trail.
Walking the Pilgrims’ Way is both a cultural journey and an outdoor adventure, passing through Surrey and Kent along the chalk ridges of the North Downs. From historic towns and cathedrals to rolling countryside and quiet villages, it’s a trail where English history and landscape meet.
Winchester to Farnham
The route begins at Winchester Cathedral, passing through Hampshire countryside before joining the North Downs near Farnham.
Farnham to Rochester (Surrey & Kent Downs)
This stage runs along the North Downs Way, crossing the Surrey Hills National Landscape with views over the Weald, then into the Kent Downs National Landscape. Highlights include Guildford, Box Hill, and the medieval city of Rochester.
Rochester to Canterbury
The final section leads across the Kent Downs, through villages, orchards, and rolling farmland, before arriving at Canterbury Cathedral, the historic end point for pilgrims.
The Pilgrims’ Way passes through many towns and villages with excellent bases for walking holidays, including Guildford, Dorking, Rochester, and Canterbury. Accommodation ranges from traditional inns and B&Bs to hotels and guesthouses.
Thanks to rail links along much of the route, it’s easy to walk in shorter sections, or complete the full pilgrimage in 9–12 days as part of a self-guided holiday.
