The Walsingham Way Pilgrimage Route: Walk This Historic 37-Mile Trail Through Beautiful Norfolk Countryside

The Walsingham Way is a wonderful 37-mile pilgrimage walking route that follows ancient pilgrim paths from Norwich to Walsingham through some of Norfolk’s beautiful countryside.

This carefully waymarked path takes you along peaceful lanes, a few off road paths, through villages with historic churches, and finally to the remarkable pilgrim destination of Little Walsingham.

Whether you come as a dedicated pilgrim or a curious walker, these ancient paths offer something our busy modern lives often lack:

• the chance to slow down
• to reflect
• to connect with centuries of human seeking
• and perhaps to discover something meaningful about your own journey through life.

This route is a perfect choice for those looking for authentic Norfolk walking holidays, combining nature, history, and spirituality (if you want) in one unforgettable experience.

Walking the Walsingham Way means you'll be able to:

• Experience the beauty of the Wensum and Stiffkey river valleys
• Visit historic churches and villages that have welcomed pilgrims for centuries
• enjoy the peaceful countryside paths perfect for reflection and discovery
• Stay in carefully selected walker-friendly accommodation
• Have your luggage transferred between stops
• Receive detailed itinerary, route maps and historical information

An Ancient Path with a Remarkable Story

The story of Walsingham begins in 1061, when a devout Anglo-Saxon noblewoman named Lady Richeldis de Faverches experienced a series of visions in which the Virgin Mary instructed her to build a replica of the Holy House of Nazareth. This small wooden shrine became one of medieval England's most significant pilgrimage destinations.

By the 12th century, Walsingham had grown so important that a magnificent Augustinian Priory was established. The shrine attracted pilgrims from across Europe - including many English kings and queens. Henry VIII himself visited Walsingham before later ordering its dissolution during the Reformation.

For centuries, the pilgrimage tradition lay dormant, but never completely forgotten. The tradition was revived in the late 19th century, and today Walsingham stands proud once again as England's leading pilgrimage centre, welcoming around 250,000 pilgrims annually.

Route Overview

The Walsingham Way can be started from either Norwich Cathedral or the Roman Catholic Cathedral of St John the Baptist in Norwich.

Following the peaceful valleys of the Wensum and Stiffkey rivers, the route passes through traditional Norfolk villages and beautiful countryside before reaching Little Walsingham — known as “England’s Nazareth” and home to both Anglican and Catholic shrines, as well as the ruins of the original priory.

The Walsingham Way Walking Package Options

I offer two different walking packages to suit all preferences and fitness levels. Each package includes carefully selected accommodation, luggage transfers, detailed maps and route information.

3-Day Package: The Pilgrim’s Express

Perfect for: Experienced walkers who enjoy covering good distances each day (12/12 and 15 miles)

4-Day Package: The Measured Pilgrim

Perfect for: Those who prefer moderate daily distances (8-10 miles) with more time to explore

Highlights Along the Walsingham Way

The route is dotted with lots of fascinating churches, historic sites, and stunning Norfolk countryside. Here are some highlights you won’t want to miss:

Starting Points

• Norwich Cathedral - One of Europe’s finest examples of Norman architecture with the second tallest spire in England
• Cathedral of St John the Baptist - An impressive Roman Catholic cathedral constructed between 1882 and 1910

A Few Of The Historic Churches Along the Route