You are invited to join in a Pilgrimage for the Planet in London this September

WHEN? There are 3 different pilgrimages happening across Saturday 9th and Sunday 10th September

WHY A PILGRIMAGE?

The ancient practice of pilgrimage, honoured by many of the world’s great faiths, has a renewed focus in this age of climate and ecological emergency. Walking together with intention, mindfulness and prayer proclaims a different pace and place in relationship to the earth; and with each other. We become fellow travellers, learning again to ‘tread lightly’ on the earth. Pilgrimage invites a renewal of body, mind and spirit, while offering a visible sign of a different way of living and travelling.

We invite people of all faiths and none to join CCA members as we walk together long different sections of the Thames Path. The Thames is an artery that allows water to flow out and – on the tides – into London supporting a diverse range of ecosystems and habitats for wildlife, and a range of human activities, both work and recreation. It also tells a story of the history of human occupation and of our impact on the world we live in and the ever-encroaching effects of the climate crisis.

These London-based pilgrimages are part of a nationwide weekend of walking and prayer that has been organised by CCA. Each one will represent and reflect the growing number of people, from all walks of life, who have a passion for justice and peace in their own locality and across the world as together we face the challenge of the climate crisis. Their energy and passion will flow like a mighty river bringing change and new life!

WHERE ARE THE LONDON WALKS?

WALK 1. Thames Path South East

Saturday 9th September meeting at Jubilee Gardens (near Waterloo station) at 10.15am for a 10.30 start with prayers outside the Shell building. Then walk downstream passing Blackfriars bridge, Southwark cathedral and Tower bridge along the Thames path. Continuing on south bank of Thames stopping at Super Sewer site, Ada Salter statue (first woman Labour councillor in London), Mayflower departure point and Brunel tunnel (first under the Thames). Stop for lunch for 30 minutes at Surrey Dock farm about 12.30 (cafe and snacks available). On past Peter the Great statue to Cutty Sark in Greenwich about 2pm. Then round Greenwich peninsula past Greenwich Ecology park to join Kate’s group (Walk 2) by the Thames barrier about 4pm for a final reflection.

This walk is about 17k averaging about 4k per hour with stops for reflection as indicated above Please bring a packed lunch, drinks and any other refreshments. Dress to suit all weathers.

If you would like to join this walk please join the WhatsApp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/IVCo730cnUgIQU4rKGAX3C

WALK 2. Thames path Greenwich Peninsula

Saturday 9th September gathering at the Cutty Sark at 11am before setting off down stream. We will take a break at North Greenwich (near end of cable car where there is a cafe and toilets nearby) at about 1pm for a picnic lunch. We will pause at the Greenwich ecological garden at about 2pm for a time of prayer and reflection before continuing on to the Thames Barrier arriving at 4pm. There we will join with Barbara’s group (Walk 1) of pilgrims for a time of reflection. Timings very approximate!
There are nearby bus routes plus stations to enable an easy journey home.

If you would like to join this walk, you can join the whatsapp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/DI9b8vZMfCOJLU4w4hyIbq

WALK 3. Thames path Putney to Richmond

Sunday 10th September meeting outside St Mary’s church by Putney Bridge at 12.30pm for a 1pm departure, we will set off upstream, under Hammersmith Bridge, and stopping for a break at about 3pm at St Mary the Virgin Mortlake. We will go under Kew Bridge and round the outside of Kew Gardens and the Old Deer Park to reach Richmond Bridge for about 5.30pm for a time of reflection. (If the last leg is too daunting, you can take a bus from Kew to Richmond).

This walk is about 15k averaging about 4k per hour with stops for reflection as indicated above   Please bring a sandwich, drinks and any other refreshments. Dress to suit all weathers. 

All three walks will include times for discussion, mindful silence, singing, gathering items to create a mandala, and attending to the landscapes and places along the way.

If you would like to join this walk, you can join the whatsapp group: https://chat.whatsapp.com/GKEQ6tMkjgy1BgAti01ybP

MORE INFO COMING SOON

Final details, and resources for reflection, will be shared with those who register to take part and joining instructions for the Pilgrimage will be available soon.

The Pilgrimage is taking place during Creationtide, a season of the Church Calendar that culminates with the feast of Francis of Assisi. Our pilgrimage is drawing inspiration from Francis’ Canticle of the Creatures which we’ll give expression to during the day.