This Camino is ideal for anyone just beginning their pilgrimage journey, due to its short duration and relatively easy terrain, with only a few hills to climb.”
Chaucer and Dickens on the Canterbury Camino
This year, XirCammini added a new pilgrimage route to its itinerary: a walk from England’s second-oldest diocese to its oldest, from Dickens’ Rochester to Chaucer’s Canterbury. This Camino blended everything I love about the United Kingdom: majestic cathedrals, rich historical landmarks, rolling countryside, and charming village cores complete with cozy pubs. And of course, being England, a few hours of rain were guaranteed!
We began in Rochester, where we had ample time to explore its magnificent cathedral, founded in 604 A.D. Highlights included remnants of medieval painted decoration, the worn pilgrim steps and, of course, the library. For us literature lovers, a stop at England’s largest second-hand bookstore and a stroll along Dickens’ trail were essential.
Armed with fresh cherries and berries from a local vendor, we set off on our four-day pilgrimage through hillsides, fields, and woodlands, stopping in traditional villages and staying overnight in pubs, where we enjoyed delicious meals and, in one case, the company of a resident cat! Walking along paths marked “The Pilgrims’ Way,” it was easy to imagine Chaucer’s medieval characters traveling these same routes. Along the way, we visited several historic churches, silent and welcoming, with their stamp ready by the door.
Upon arriving in Canterbury, we were welcomed at its UNESCO World Heritage Site cathedral, whose diocese dates to 597 A.D. With certificate in hand, we enjoyed a guided tour of this architectural marvel, with its stunning stained-glass windows and display of ancient, printed books and manuscripts being highlights for me. A relaxing riverboat trip offered the perfect ending to this short yet meaningful Camino.
I could go on and on about this fascinating journey—the friendships formed within the group, and the expert preparation, knowledge, and guidance provided by James from XirCammini. This Camino is ideal for anyone just beginning their pilgrimage journey, due to its short duration and relatively easy terrain, with only a few hills to climb.
To those considering it, I hope you find the same inner peace, camaraderie, and lasting memories that I was fortunate to experience on this memorable route.
Tania Mangion 24 August 2025
Interested? Follow this link to join us in the summer of 2026: Chaucer and Dickens on the Canterbury Camino