Downside Abbey to Frome

 Saturday 6th July 2024 - 11 miles / 5 hours

This is a contemplative walk.  We will aim as we walk to grow an inner stillness and calm, to become more aware of what is within as well as paying attention to what is around us.  So on this walk there will be periods of silence along the way, as well as points where we will stop, pause and practice some exercises to still our minds.  

Downside Abbey is a Benedictine monastery, home to a community of monks who were established here two centuries ago.  It is located at Stratton on the Fosse in Somerset.  The day starts with an optional Mass in the Abbey's crypt chapel at 9.30am.  Then the walk proceeds through the attractive Mendip Hills and through the pictureque villages of Coleford, Mells and Great Elm, each of which hosts an interesting historic church. 

The walk finishes in the town of Frome at the church of St John the Baptist and the well of St Aldhelm.  There will be time to linger in the town before transport is provided back to Downside.

Cost: £45, to include return transport.  We will stop at a pub for lunch on the way.

Book here for this pilgrimage