Introduction to the Pilgrimage

This pilgrimage is a journey through the English Lake District that takes a road less traveled of 275km and 18,500 metres of ascent.

The wiggeldy route weaves some of the best bits of the Lakes together

The first traverse took place in June 2016 as a continuous journey, but it is intended that pilgrims might adopt bits of it as they please. Walk a bit of the route, do a scramble, visit one of the 'cathedrals' or sleep out under the stars.

We've made a 23 minute film about the pilgrimage, and have extracted a short introduction.

Pillar Rock - A place to stop and stare

The route visits seven cathedrals - natural spires of rock that inspire awe in a way that man-made cathedrals struggle to match.

We've also hidden 31 'treasure troves' - boxes containing reflection cards at varied locations.  These can be visited in their own right.

The Lakes District is not a wilderness.  People are very much part of the landscape and have been for centuries.  Seven historic hostelries are to be found on the pilgrimage - places that have welcomed travellers over many years and have a rich history.

And of course there are many summits, tarns and magnificent viewpoints which form some of the very best of the Lake District and contribute to a richly diverse landscape.


The aim is that pilgrims might pause and reflect and possible places that are conducive to reflection have been indicated, although there will be many more points suitable for reflection.

Take the opportunity to reflect

It is the culmination of almost 20 years of exploring the District and takes an exploratory approach, combining rough, pathless terrain in ill-frequented corners with well trodden paths over major summits.  It involves play through 20 rock scrambles, although all these can be circumvented if this isn't for you. This is not a typical well trodden Pilgrims Route and it is intended that you will make your own judgement as to your ability to complete the route in part or whole.  Rock climbing experience is necessary for the harder scrambles and most will prefer the comfort of a rope, but all scrambles can all be bypassed and alternatives are described in the scramble descriptions.

The route starts and finishes at my house and a cream tea awaits on the patio for anyone who completes the route as long as we have enough warning to fulfill the promise!

Guide to The Lakeland Pilgrimage