Steering Groups Capacity Building Pilot study to assess the strengths and needs of voluntary group as they develop new walking/cycling routes/ways.

What is a Pilgrimage route? Can be many different things to different individuals For our purpose we should focus on principally a walking / multi-user route rather than what some might define as a pilgrimage journey Although this could be associated with any religion we should for the sake of this discussion focus on Christian related pilgrimage The question that might help us in this interactive session might be:

What’s the Difference between a Walk and a Pilgrimage? A pilgrimage is a journey or search of moral or spiritual significance. Typically, it is a journey to a shrine or other location of importance to a person's beliefs and faith. According to the dictionary definition a pilgrimage is a journey, especially a long one, made to some sacred place as an act of religious devotion. Pilgrimage is a meaningful journey to a sacred place. It provides the opportunity to step out of the non-stop busyness of our lives, to seek a time of quiet and reflection. It gives us the chance to ‘walk through’ those issues that we have on our minds, whatever they might be. It is a time of simply ‘being’ rather than always ‘doing’. Pilgrimage can also be a highly sociable activity, allowing us to enjoy the company of others we meet on the road. It gives us the chance to re-energise mentally, physical and spiritually. And it allows us to reconnect with our cultural heritage and the natural world—as well as to refresh our faith or seek spiritual direction. The journey is as important as the destination and in every ending, every arrival there is a new beginning.

Who goes on a pilgrimage walk and for what reasons? People go on pilgrimage for as many reasons as there are pilgrims. And you don’t have to be religious to go on pilgrimage. Often, people go on pilgrimage when they are at a crossroads in their lives, when undergoing a change in their life’s direction or relationships. Others may be in search of a deeper spirituality, healing and forgiveness. Or it may be that pilgrimage marks a special birthday, retirement or other occasion for giving thanks. What might a person get out of the pilgrimage walk? · Physical and Inner Journey – walking out the business and clearing the mind. Satisfying a hunger for a bigger meaning in life.

What are some of the key element of the Pilgrimage Walk? Requires a Purpose or Goal Needs a precise destination The journey needs to take time The journey needs a degree of suffering (being tested physically / emotionally) Requires sacrifice – leaving commitments – leaving loved one behind Requires to be a slow journey to appreciate surroundings and nature The walker needs to be open in all aspects of whatever and whoever they meet Aware of the elements of history associated with the pilgrimage

Pilgrimage Walk or Long distance walk? Established 1996 100 Km / 62.5 miles Linking Melrose Abbey with Lindisfarne Priory Scottish Great Trail Pilgrimage Walk or Long distance walk?

Now it is over to you – What do you think? Split into small groups 10 minutes to come up with 3 answers Once this is done we will share thoughts and see if there is a clear answer to the question What are the (three) key elements which you think defines a Pilgrimage Way (it may help to consider this by thinking of the route you are involved with as a steering group member)