29 April 2025
Try Pilgrimage and its resources are designed for individuals who may not have experienced pilgrimage before and are looking for a gentle introduction. There are two main pathways available on the site: one for churches and Christians interested in hosting a pilgrimage, and another for those who want to try a pilgrimage for themselves. All resources are available for free download.
“Most of the time we take a journey to get somewhere, to reach a destination. Journeys are often frantic, fast-paced and fuelled by a desire to get somewhere… quickly. Life is full of journeys where the destination is the point so I’m excited that the invitation of Try Pilgrimage is to make the journey the point; to take a journey that invites us to come to a greater understanding of ourselves, our connection with people, places and with God.”
Sammy Jordan from Hope TogetherTry Pilgrimage encourages Christians and non-Christians to embark on a unique journey to discover people, make new experiences and engage with their community. The website shares existing pilgrimage routes but also enables members of the public to step out of their comfort zone, create their own pilgrimages and share them on the website.
Interest in spiritual walking is at an all-time high, largely due to the BBC series "Pilgrimage" which encouraged many individuals to explore famous routes like the Camino, also known as the Way of St James going to Santiago de Compostella. However, Great Britain also offers numerous local pilgrimages that allow for a deeper engagement with the community.
Try Pilgrimage incorporates the 2023 BBC series as part of its "fuel for the journey." It offers a free downloadable discussion resource based on the program, which is suitable for both groups and individuals. Eryl Parry, the Pioneer Priest from the Diocese of Bangor, who appears in the first episode, shared her insights with us and created a series of short videos to help people understand and fully appreciate the experience of pilgrimage.
“Setting out on a pilgrimage can transform lives, connecting individuals with their own stories and the work of God around them. Each day, people worldwide experience this power, and the resources from the Methodist Church aim to support that. While mission and faith-sharing often focus on speaking, it’s important to recognize that we are all on our own journeys. Walking alongside each other on pilgrimage – both literally and metaphorically – allows us to grow and connect spiritually with our communities as we step out together.”
Holly Adams, Director of Evangelism Development at the Methodist ChurchA pilgrimage can be on foot, by bike, by bus and even in a chair! Inclusion and accessibility are key to the project. Try Pilgrimage steps outside traditional pilgrimages and invites people to create transformative experiences with their community, online with a virtual prayer walk or with special activities to engage children.
