Oh the Irony. I had it all planned out, how I was going to film the arrival. The shots and composition for the drone at the abbey. Only to find through March, the Abbey is only open at the weekends!
For the last day, I took a late start. I’d booked breakfast for 0930h to begin walking at 10. I popped into the supermarket for supplies beforehand so I was good to go.
The Sun was out, a cool breeze, I couldn’t ask for more for my final 10km of my pilgrimage. I took a very relaxed pace north out of town, joining a single track lane past an abandoned plant nursery.
After a quick stint on an ‘A’ road I was back on another quiet lane. Birdsong in the air and the Skylarks cheering me on for my last day.
I savoured the stillness and peace, something that has marked this journey. The road led me into East Barsham and then across fields into North Barsham. Where the last church I’ll visit before Walsingham, stands.
Before I Knew it, I was on the Holy Mile. The last bit into Walsingham. It’s tradition to cover this barefoot, but I felt it unwise to partake, on account of the trouble I’ve been having with my leg.
It follows a disused railway line, giving an elevated view of the countryside. I let my mind drift, thinking about this journey. It seemed months ago, since I left London Bridge, not 12 days – almost as if it was another time or world.
The route drops into Walsingham. Quaint terraced cottages lined the road into the centre of the village – frozen in time. It ends at the front door to the ‘Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham’. A very modern building that is a stark contrast to its neighbours.
The moment I stepped into the church, the scent of incense wrapped around me, the air thick and hazy with its smoke. I had arrived in the middle of the midday service – clergy chanting in steady prayer. Candles flickered before the shrine. I paused, letting the sound and stillness settle around me.
A gentle, peaceful close to the journey, one that felt entirely in harmony with the spirit of the pilgrimage.
Stu's Camino 