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A bit of both really. A lot of canalside walking which is quite industrial until you get clear of Reading. Then you pass through various towns and villages - some with great watering holes (but some may have closed due to Covid). As you get closer to major towns the landscape changes but, all in all, definitely worth the effort!Thanks. We walked the Cotswolds previously, so I completely understand the cost of being a tourist in England versus a pilgrim in Spain. My wife was worried it would be too industrial along the route, but other reports at its a lovely stroll in footpaths and canal routes. Just curious which (or both?) are true?
I assume you know that the Reading Abbey was destroyed in 1538 during the Dissolution and all that remains today in Reading are the abbey ruins?My wife and I will be walking The Pilgrims Way in southern England from the ferry landing in Portsmouth to the Reading Abbey this August 2022. I have been in touch with the local Pilgrim association, but curious if anyone has walked it recently (in either direction).
Yes! Don’t worry, wasn’t planning to join the monks there - I have plans to stay the night elsewhereI assume you know that the Reading Abbey was destroyed in 1538 during the Dissolution and all that remains today in Reading are the abbey ruins?
This is the UK St James Way which is different from the actual Pilgrim's Way which is from Winchester to Canterbury with another branch from London to Canterbury.My wife and I will be walking The Pilgrims Way in southern England from the ferry landing in Portsmouth to the Reading Abbey this August 2022. I have been in touch with the local Pilgrim association, but curious if anyone has walked it recently (in either direction).
Thank you for the reply! Yes, I’ve since learned the official name and purchased the guidebook from the Confraternity of St James (a fabulous organization, BTW). On a related note, the section we will walk between Portsmouth and Southampton is partially considered as “The Old Pilgrims Way” by the British Pilgrims Trust. So many named routes for such a small land, but all historic and delightful!This is the UK St James Way which is different from the actual Pilgrim's Way which is from Winchester to Canterbury with another branch from London to Canterbury.
I have walked from Reading to Southampton twice in 2021. It's a lovely route though the infrastructure is not great as in accommodation and signage is practically non existent. The guide book I also found lacking in places but it is doable and you do walk through some really interesting places. Great countryside.
Thank you for that update on the neame between Portsmouth and Southampton. Happy walking.Thank you for the reply! Yes, I’ve since learned the official name and purchased the guidebook from the Confraternity of St James (a fabulous organization, BTW). On a related note, the section we will walk between Portsmouth and Southampton is partially considered as “The Old Pilgrims Way” by the British Pilgrims Trust. So many named routes for such a small land, but all historic and delightful!
We have scheduled a mixture of pubs, inns, etc. Nothing specifically “pilgrim” since those don't seem to exist. We’ve done a lot of urban walking on undesignated paths, so I think we will be fine. Our first day is from Portsmouth to Titchfield, crossing the waterway at the start and walking along the coastal area there - have you done that before?Vacajoe
If you need any local help or advice for Portsmouth through Southampton to Winchester do let me know.
What accommodations will you be intending to use?
That’s reassuring!The walk up to Winchester is very easy and full of wildlife
I had no idea CD was born there! Thank you.Yes I do. Nothing of interest or worth remembering walking around the harbour.
When walking from the continental ferry port to the Gosport ferry you pass Charles Dickens birth place if interested. Quaint street and now a museum: HERE Otherwise get yourself over to Gosport and beyond.
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