Recovering Our partners include: pilgrimage for health in body, mind and soul.

In the last twenty years or so there has been a revival of interest in the idea and practice of pilgrimage - the famous Camino to Santiago in Spain has increased from a mere 2,491 walkers in 1984 to over 100,000 annually now. A major motivation for medieval pilgrims was to seek healing. Modern pilgrims on the Two Saints Way can be resourced in various ways (including a meditation guide available via the website) so that they can make an intentional journey to find health in body, mind and soul. The Two Saints Way Project ties in with the new mood of enthusiasm for the active spirituality of pilgrimage in a way that is relevant to the contemporary context.

For more information on how to walk the route, accommodation etc please contact: [email protected] or visit: www.twosaintsway.org.uk A journey to the ancient future. The Two Saints Way is an 88 mile pilgrimage route between the cathedral cities of and . The route can be walked in either direction. If you walk from Chester to Lichfield the easier walking is at the beginning and you have time to prepare for hillier sections in . However, if you walk particularly between October and March, the views are often better with the sun behind you in the south from Lichfield to Chester. Rediscover Mercian heritage The footpath is called the Two Saints Way after two Saxon saints who brought Christianity to the ancient kingdom of Mercia in the seventh century. The shrines of St Chad at Lichfield and St at Chester were Walking the route - popular destinations for pilgrims in medieval times. The discovery of the Staffordshire the 4 Sections Hoard near Lichfield in 2009 has increased interest in Mercian heritage and walking the Section 1 - Chester to Two Saints Way provides an ideal opportunity From Chester Cathedral mostly along canals and including to learn more about this fascinating period of the dramatic Beeston Castle before ending at the fine market history. Items from the hoard can be viewed town of Nantwich. at the Potteries Museum in Stoke which is Section 2 - Nantwich to Stoke-on- Trent directly on the route. The Two Saints There are notable churches such as the intriguing Primitive Lichfield Cathedral from Stowe Pool Way Route Methodist Chapel at Englesea Brook and significant industrial heritage sites at Stoke-on-Trent

Section 3 - Stoke-on-Trent to . The route follows the Trent Valley passing the impressive Trentham Estate and the canal town of Stone before reaching the county town of Stafford.

Section 4 - Stafford to Lichfield After meandering along the River Sow the route joins crosses Cannock Chase, an Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, before the last few miles to Lichfield and the pilgrim sites at Follow the cross of Follow the goose of St the Cathedral and St Chad’s Well. St Chad to walk from Werburgh to walk from Chester to Lichfield. Lichfield to Chester.