The raised wooden hut is the place of refuge for anyone foolishly caught out by the rapidly incoming tide. England’s St Cuthbert’s Way to Lindisfarne (Holy Island) (62 miles/five days): The causeway from the far northeast corner of the English mainland leads to the island of Lindisfarne. He is the author of several beautifully photographed titles celebrating England’s landscape and architectural legacy. His stunning colour photographs for the worldwide best-seller James Herriot’s Yorkshire contributed to its success.

The Italian section begins on the bleak summit of the Great St Bernard Pass where a hospice still caters to the needs of passing pilgrims before heading down to Rome through some of Italy’s most beguiling countryside interspersed with medieval hilltop towns and villages.Īstounding photographs combine with an absorbing text that describes the history and key features of each route, as well as brief details of the distances and the number of days it takes to walk, and a list of websites to help plan your journey.ĭerry Brabbs is regarded as one of England’s finest photographers within the sphere of heritage and landscape, with over 20 illustrated books to his credit. The most notable addition to the rejuvenated era of pilgrimage is the Via Francigena, now a very well-established path through Switzerland and Italy. One of its benefactors was thought to be Henry VII’s mother, Lady Margaret, Countess of Richmond, whose coat of arms is one of several emblazoned on the roof bosses. The chapel encasing St Winefride’s Well was built in the sixteenth century to replace an earlier church on the site. Cuthbert’s Way which winds around the Scottish Borders to the holy island of Lindisfarne, and the World Heritage Site of Mont-St-Michel built on the tiny island off the coast of Normandy. You’ll find great walks in Britain and France, like St. Whether you’re truly making a pilgrimage, exploring the world, or simply hiking, Pilgrimage will lead you along deeply historical routes like the ‘Jakobsweg’ in Germany, between Cologne and Trier. Author Derry Brabbs’ previous book, Roads to Santiago, focused exclusively on the ‘camino’ through France and Spain to Santiago de Compostela PILGRIMAGE: The Great Pilgrim Routes of Britain and Europe revisits this classic route, and nine other inspirational journeys across Europe. This century the cathedral at Santiago de Compostela alone has seen 40 times the number of pilgrim visits. Pilgrimages in Europe are thriving on a massive scale. Listen to the Big Blend Radio interview with Derry Brabbs, who discusses his new photographic essay on the ten great pilgrim routes of Western Europe, an inspiration for today’s long-distance walker. PILGRIMAGE: THE GREAT PILGRIM ROUTES OF BRITAIN AND EUROPE

Pilgrimage by Derry Brabbs