The Walsingham Way Pilgrimage Route

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.

You can find out much more about the rise of Walsingham and the Pilgrimage route here.

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

Why People Walk the Walsingham Way

People walk the Walsingham Way for many reasons:

• Pilgrimage Tradition: Connect with a historic 1000-year-old pilgrim route
• Natural Beauty: Experience Norfolk's stunning rural landscape
• Spiritual Journey: Take time for reflection and personal growth
• Historical Interest: Discover medieval churches and ancient pathways
• Personal Challenge: Enjoy a sense of achievement in completing the route

This pilgrimage walking route is a standout among Norfolk walking holidays, as it offers that unique blend of history, spirituality, and natural beauty that few other walks can match.

Why walk a pilgrim route?  You can find out more here.

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

What You'll Discover In Little Walsingham

Best Time to Walk the Walsingham Way

April to October is ideal for the Walsingham Way, with May and September offering the perfect combination of (hopefully!) good weather and quieter paths. The wildflowers in spring are always lovely while the harvest season in early autumn adds that golden glow to the countryside, especially as there is such an abundance of trees along the walk.

February also offers a very special experience if you want to see the famous snowdrops at Walsingham Abbey, though it goes without saying, be prepared for cooler, potentially damper conditions.

The Walsingham Way follows a mix of country lanes, field paths, and woodland tracks. The route is mostly flat or gently undulating, with no significant hills to climb. Some sections can be muddy after rain, so good walking boots are recommended.  Much of the walk is along quiet country lanes.

This walk is suitable for reasonably fit walkers of all ages. The route is well waymarked with the distinctive Walsingham Way logo consisting of two linked 'W’s that merge to form a letter ‘M’.

Ready to walk the Walsingham Way - find all the details for the Walsingham Way here