Nine churches on the 60-mile Golden Valley Pilgrim Way have opened their chancels, crypts and cloisters to pilgrims of all faiths – or none. (from BBC.com)
An interesting BBC article (by Sarah Baxter) discusses a unique circular hiking route in the UK known as the Golden Valley Pilgrim Way. This hike is distinctive because along its 60-mile route, hikers can stay overnight in churches for as little as £20. This offers a blend of adventure, spirituality, and history, as the route takes hikers through picturesque landscapes and historic sites.
The initiative to open churches for accommodation supports their maintenance and provides a unique lodging experience, allowing hikers to connect with the heritage of the area in an intimate way. The churches involved are part of the "Champing" (church camping) movement, where historic churches are repurposed to serve as simple, rustic accommodations for travelers.
This hiking experience not only offers stunning views and physical challenge but also immerses participants in the cultural and historical ambiance of the region.
Extract
"I was following Herefordshire's Golden Valley Pilgrim Way, a 60-or-so mile loop from Hereford Cathedral into the English county's south-west, via the churches of Abbeydore Deanery, sleeping in a different one each night. Still active places of worship, they've opened their chancels, crypts and cloisters to pilgrims of all faiths – or none. A per-night donation of £20 per person generates much-needed revenue – Church of England statistics show that church attendance has more than halved since 1987, and 641 churches have closed altogether since 2000. It also secures a unique, low-cost spot for walkers to rest."
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