St Werburgh's Roman Catholic Parish, Chester

150th Anniversary Pilgrimage

St Werburgh’s Church 150th Anniversary Pilgrimage

St Werburgh’s to St Winefride’s Shrine, Holywell: Saturday 28th – Sunday 29th June 2025

What is it ?

This is a group walk from our parish church to St Winefride’s Shrine at Holywell The shrine is reputedly the oldest continually visited pilgrimage destination in Britain, dating back to at least the early 12th Century. The parish pilgrimage will take two days, covering a total distance of 21 miles.

The tradition of pilgrimage as a journey to a place of significance is an ancient one, recognising that the external physical journey, with its challenges of terrain and weather, may enable a more internal spiritual journey.

The walk will include breaks for collective prayers, and some time for walking in silence.

 

Who is it for ?

The pilgrimage is for anyone over 18 capable of doing the walk:  the first day will be 13 miles mostly very flat, the second day will be 8 miles, mostly uphill.  Under -18s whilst welcome must me accompanied by an adult who would be responsible for them at all times.

Volunteers who don’t wish to do the walk but would like to provide support will be very welcome.

 

What is the cost ?

There is no charge to join the pilgrimage but you will need to pay for your rail fare: Flint - Chester return (approx. £9 total), plus the bus fare (no 11) from Holywell to Chester (approx. £4).

Timings: (provisional)

 

 

 Set off

 Return

Saturday 
09:00
(gather at St Werburgh’s)

 

18:30

(Chester Railway Station)

 Sunday
09:30
(Chester Railway Station)
In time to attend 10:30 Sunday Mass at the Catholic church in Flint, before resuming the walk.

 18:00

(Chester Bus Station)

Depending on numbers and interest we may go for an evening meal in Chester on the Sunday.

 
What essential kit will I need ?

  • Good, comfortable walking boots
  • A windproof, waterproof, lightweight jacket
  • Walking trousers (waterproof or quick drying)
  • A small backpack (for your lunch)
  • A water bottle


Additional guidance on what to bring will be provided nearer the time.


Interested ?

If interested in finding out more either about doing the pilgrimage walk or supporting as a Volunteer, then either:

Sign up at the back of church after (Palm Sunday) Mass or email: john.egan1935@gmail.com.


(please note:  numbers will be limited to 30)