Please make sure that you read the following before signing up.
You can also access this information in a Google Doc
here if preferred.
1. OVERVIEW OF THE PILGRIMAGE
This journey is open to all; whether you join for a single day, several days, or the entire pilgrimage. Together, we will walk with the River Medway from her upper reaches towards the sea, moving through landscapes, communities, and shared experience. This pilgrimage is both ecological and relational: an offering of attention, care, and presence to the river and the places she flows through. We will walk beside the river and for her, planting seeds for ecological change, supporting the advancement of the Rights of the River Medway, and deepening practices of river guardianship. Drawing on the tradition of pilgrimage, this journey also invites a more sacred relationship with the river and the wider landscape, rooted in listening, care, and connection.
2. WAYS TO PARTICIPATE
2.1 Core pilgrims (Full Journey Participants)
As a core pilgrim:
- You will be part of the full pilgrimage journey from beginning to end
- We will support you by coordinating accommodation along the route (please note: accommodation costs are still your responsibility)
- You will be invited to a preparatory Zoom gathering before the pilgrimage to connect, align intentions, and prepare together
- You will be stepping into a deeper, continuous experience of the pilgrimage arc
Important:
Registration for core pilgrims closes on 26 June, to allow time for preparation and accommodation planning.
2. General Participants (Join Selected Days)
You are also welcome to join for:
- A single day
- A selection of days
This allows flexible participation depending on your availability and capacity.
2.3 Capacity & Volunteers
- Walking participant capacity is capped at 50 people per day
- If capacity allows through expanded volunteering, we may be able to increase participant numbers.
3. THIS YEAR'S THEME : GENTLE, QUIET CONNECTION
This year’s pilgrimage is guided by the theme of gentle, quiet connection. We will approach the river with softness, attentiveness, and respect, allowing space for deep listening. Each day will include up to two hours of silence and stillness, offering time to settle, observe, and attune to the river and landscape.
This practice is intended to deepen:
- Our relationship with the river
- Our capacity for listening
- Our sense of ecological and inner connection
4. ROUTE OVERVIEW
We begin near the river’s source and journey downstream, walking with the River Medway as she moves toward Rochester. From there, we will complete the final stage by sailboat into the estuary.
- Sat 18 July : Opening Ceremony : Forest Row
- Sun 19 July : Forest Row to Fordcombe
- Mon 20 July : Fordcombe to Tonbridge
- Tues 21 July : Tonbridge to Yalding
- Weds 22 July : Yalding to Maidstone
- Thurs 23 July : Maidstone to Aylesford
- Fri 24 July : Aylesford
- Sat 25 July : Aylesford to Rochester
- Sun 26 July : Celebration Day in Rochester
- Mon 27 July : Closing : Rochester to Estuary (by boat). Return home.
Full itinerary can be found
HERE.
5. ACCOMMODATION, FOOD & EXPENSES
In the spirit of pilgrimage, we aim to travel simply and lightly, embracing a mix of communal and self-supported living along the route.
Accommodation
Accommodation vary from night to night and may include camping, village halls, churches, and local B&Bs. This variety is part of the pilgrim experience, offering both shared spaces and occasional comfort stops. We will book accommodation for people that have specified they need accommodation in the form below.
Participants are responsible for:
- Bringing any required camping equipment (e.g. tents, sleeping mats), including core pilgrims
- Covering accommodation costs
Food & Water
We are looking to support dinners and breakfasts via food donations and local chefs. However, food will be self-supported throughout most of the journey and may include access to:
- Supermarkets
- Cafés
- Pubs and restaurants
We are exploring funding for shared evening meals on selected nights, but this cannot be guaranteed.
Participants should:
- Bring snacks and packed lunch provisions
- Carry a reusable water bottle
- Budget for purchased meals where needed (est. £100-150)
Transport & Shared Costs
There may be shared costs for:
- A support vehicle transporting group equipment and heavier items between locations
This is currently dependent on funding. If contributions are required, these will be confirmed at least 2 weeks before the pilgrimage begins.
Final River Journey - An Invitation
At the end of the pilgrimage, we will sail from Rochester out into the estuary. Last year we were able to subsidise this cost through grant funding; however, we have not received funding this year. As a result, the full cost for participation in the sail will be £90 per person.
Estimated Overall Costs
As a guide:
- Accommodation, food, and daily expenses: £150-£200 (approx.)
- Final sail (optional): £90
A detailed logistical guide will be shared in June.
If cost is a barrier, participants are encouraged to explore:
- Friends/family contributions
- Crowdfunding (e.g. GoFundMe)
- Other community support
6. REGISTRATION AND SUPPORT
To secure your place, please complete the registration form. Registration is free to ensure accessibility. However, participants will need to cover their own personal expenses.
Optional Contribution
We warmly invite those who are able to support the pilgrimage financially to donate to Friends of the River Medway.
Bank details: Friends of the River Medway | Sort code: 53-50-39 | Account number: 55423698
Suggested contribution range: £100-£300
Donations support:
- Organisation and facilitation of the pilgrimage
- Community outreach along the river
- Shared meals and gatherings (where possible)
- Workshops and relational practices
- Documentation and storytelling of the journey
By supporting the pilgrimage, you become an active contributor, not only to the health of the river, but to the shared journey we will walk together. Thank you, from the bottom of our hearts, for making this possible.
