I was born to walk... from the search and rescue in the local woods that I sparked as a toddler, over mountains and valleys around the world to last years Camino Francés. It's what brings me the most peace and perspective and a sense of where I belong in this world. It is my meditation.
Pilgrimage - now there's a word which will spark a lively conversation.
Pilgrimage -
for me - is a long ritual and reverential journey with intent undertaken either cross-country or along an established route to a destination of sacred or venerable meaning. It is usually a journey which is also impossible to accomplish without the assistance of others and one that at times demands commitment and surrender to complete. Whether that can be classified as a religious intent is not for me to label. Regardless, each of my journeys have been deeply spiritual and significant and often life changing and each of the destinations have been a place of sanctity and remembrance.
Last year's Camino had been calling me for many, many years. Primarily I walked to enable a long time friend to realise her dream but that was only part of the reason. One thread only in the tapestry of the journey. You could say that I walked for all the reasons that you've listed but that each one held its own spiritual component so that, for me, it was a sacred journey.
Enjoy your research! Warning: you never know where it may lead