St James' Way - Latest News 10th May 2026 Mouteira in Southampton - Unveiled and Blessed The last of three special granite Camino milestones, or waymarks (“Mouteira” in Galician), on the St James’ Way was unveiled and blessed on 27th April. This milestone is located beside the former Holyrood Church on the High Street in Southampton to mark the end of the English leg of the Camino Inglés. The Town Crier, Lord Mayor and Honorary Assistant Bishop of Southampton, along with a 10-strong delegation from the Galician government, A Coruña Provincial Council and the Association of the Councils of the Camino Inglés were present. Some of those who joined the ceremony also went on a symbolic pilgrimage through the Old Town, which may trigger a return of pilgrims in greater numbers to the port of Southampton. The event was later reported on BBC South Today news by Briony Leyland. Other news items can be read on these links: BBC News local and Diocese of Winchester. Walk the Spanish Way – Primavera no Camiño at Reading On 25th April, the springtime Galician showcase event for the Camino was held for the first time outside of Spain, on Reading’s Broad Street in the centre of the town. An estimated 14,000 people visited the stalls, cultural displays and big screen. For a news report and images from Association of Councils of the Camino Inglés, click here. St Bartholomew’s, Hyde, Winchester - new level access At St Bartholomew’s Church, which holds the second of the three Camino milestones on the St James’ Way in its grounds, a longstanding project to provide wheelchair, or level access, has recently been completed. Previously, the steps into the church restricted access. Owing to the sympathetically designed interior works to blend the new rooms into the fabric of the old church, it now has possibly the only loo on the whole Camino network with a beautiful stained-glass window. Contact the parish in advance (Call the Parish Administrator, 01962 849434 or email [email protected]) to receive its mouteira stamp and use these facilities, as well as discover this historic place of prayer and worship, situated next to largely Reformation-destroyed Hyde Abbey! God’s House Tower, Southampton – Camino painting and display GHT have created an excellent small display in their library to view the CSJ commissioned painting of the Holyrood Church with Milestone and other Camino Inglés items. It’s well worth a visit at the end of your pilgrimage to pick up mementoes, such as a card of the painting, and information for the Spanish leg. Camino Pilgrimage Southampton additions 21st March 2026 Camino Inglés brochure for A Coruña and Ferrol, Galicia A handy fold-out 2026 map/brochure from the Association of Councils of the Camino Inglés (ACCI) is now available at God’s House Tower and Tudor House & Garden in Southampton. It’s for pilgrims who intend to pick up their journey on the Camino Inglés to Santiago de Compostela. To make sure there are enough for everyone, please take only one copy if you are continuing your pilgrimage — we have just 400 available this year. ACCI Camino Inglés brochure 8th March 2026 Footpath Repair Works (start of stage 6) On 26th February, significant progress was made in cutting back the bramble growth encroaching from the public right‑of‑way fence to the riverbank of the Itchen after the Bishopstoke Road, thanks to the hard work of the Hampshire County Council Countryside Access Team and its volunteers (fantastic work, footpath team!) Further rewarding work parties are planned for early September and early October to continue improving this stretch of the Way. If you’d like to take part in these sessions – or in any maintenance activities over the summer – please contact Peter Dunn at [email protected]. Footpath maintenance 26th February 2026 The recently installed Camino Milestone beside the former Holyrood Church on the High Street in Southampton, only 500m from God’s House Tower, has prompted a new alternative route to finish to the St James’ Way. It is now waymarked. From Edison’s, the coffee and wine shop opposite the milestone, this route heads up St Michael’s Street to St Michael’s Church and the many pilgrimage venues along historic Bugle Street in the Old Town area. Edison's Edison’s is a great place to stop for a coffee and snack while enjoying the view of the church with milestone, reflecting on the sailors, armies and pilgrims throughout the centuries who visited the church before leaving English shores. They also have a pilgrim stamp that depicts the milestone. 22nd February 2026 Circumnavigation options for a flooded route If you are determined to walk the route despite flooding caused by recent heavy rains, please consult the Footpath Closures webpage for up‑to‑date information on each stage. 10th January 2026 Saint James' Way is England's top pilgrimage route! Yes, we’re Number One! …according to the British Pilgrimage Trust, who made a Top Ten of the routes that people declared they actively planned to walk. And the Finchale Camino Inglés to Finchale Priory made it to number 9 on the list! The list was determined by the number of GPX downloads of the route file from the BPT site. We recommend however that you use a GPX file from the CSJ, to be sure of following the OS Explorer or Landranger route, which is the actual Saint James’ Way route, and not a variant or out of date. You can obtain this GPX file by emailing the CSJ Office. Visit the BPT's page for the full story. 27th November 2025 Mouteiras in Reading and Winchester - unveiled and blessed Special granite Camino milestones, or waymarks, (“Mouteira” in Galician) at Reading Abbey and St Bartholomew’s Church, Hyde, Winchester were unveiled and blessed on 19th and 20th November respectively. A 10-strong delegation from the Galician government and A Coruña Provincial Council visited the sites for the events. These gifts from the people of Spain to the people of the UK to foster national relations through the Camino were reported on BBC South Today on 20th November. For a variety of news reports about these historic events, click on these links: The Berkshire Lieutenancy Diocese of Winchester BBC News local Association of Councils of the Camino Inglés. Mouteira in Southampton - installed A third special mouteira on the St James’ Way, to mark the end of the English leg, has been installed beside the former Holyrood Church in Southampton on the High Street. This mouteira will most likely be unveiled and blessed next Spring. Mouteira stamps Reading Museum and St Bartholomew’s Church also have new pilgrim stamps depicting the mouteira. They recognise these significant points in a pilgrim’s journey to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral, namely, starting out on the Camino Inglés and reaching the 100 km ‘to go’ point by foot for a Compostela. The museum’s new stamp is in addition to the ancient seal of Reading Abbey. 7th September 2025 New pilgrim stamp at the Mortimer Bistro (end of stage 1) The Mortimer Bistro is a welcoming place to grab refreshments, as well as a stamp – perfect if you're waiting for the bus back to Reading at the end of the first stage. This bistro is just 50 metres down Victoria Road from the playing fields, a few paces from the bus stop and the Co-op store opposite; it has facilities and is open every day from 8am to 4pm. Mortimer Bistro 14th August 2025 New web pages for footpath closures and official distances For ease of access, we have created new web pages to report footpath closures with diversion details and official distances walked on UK Caminos. Why not check out these pages? 2nd August 2025 New pilgrim stamp at The Cart & Horses, Kings Worthy (stage 4) The Cart & Horses, a previously undiscovered Greene King pub, is a mere 125 metres from St Mary’s Church car park along the London Road. It presents an opportunity for refreshments, food and facilities before reaching Winchester. The Cart & Horses pub, Kings Worthy 18th July 2025 Planned footpath closures before and after Little London again (stage 2) One mile and 2½ miles after St James Church, Bramley, two footpath closures on the route are planned for public safety. Their closure is for six months from 27th July 2025, or earlier once the work is completed by National Grid, who are making further upgrades to the overhead electricity lines. These footpaths were closed last year. Scroll down to the news on 15th May 2024 for the detour details on how to safely navigate your way around each closed footpath. Bramley Corner footpath closure notices The 2025 Pilgrims’ Chorus concerts (stage 4) The Exeter Philharmonic Choir are on pilgrimage between 31st July and 3rd August. They will sing at four churches between Alresford and Winchester on the St James’ Way route. All are welcome to enjoy their concerts – click this link to view details and make a date. Busy Road Ahead warning signs Take notice when you see these recently added warnings on the Way – there’s a busy road ahead to cross or walk along! 29th June 2025 New alternative route to the heart of Preston Candover (stage 3) The official opening of the Common Bottom Meadows and Woodland is on Saturday, 5th July from 10 am – 12 pm at its great oak 20-seater bench, which overlooks the valley and village of Preston Candover. The opening marks the completion of a two-year project to landscape the area that the late Lord Sainsbury gave community access to. This new path is waymarked and leads directly to the Candover Valley Store, which is becoming a pilgrim highlight of this Camino. The community store provides vital rest, refreshments and facilities on this rural section. Note that the store is closed on Sunday afternoons and Bank Holidays. Highlights of Preston Candover 18th June 2025 New pilgrim stamp at the Istanbul Kebab van, Monk Sherborne (stage 2) This kebab van is found in a layby to the right after emerging from the Weybrook Park Golf Course to the busy A339 Kingsclere Road. Sedat, the owner, sets up from around 3:30pm and offers vital refreshments on a long stretch from Pamber End to Worting without a break, as well as a friendly face and a new stamp! He accepts cash only. A novel, yet vital, place for a stamp! Earlier each day another van has the trading licence for the location. Istanbul Kebab van, refreshments with a stamp 20th May 2025 Pilgrim stamp access at St Thomas of Canterbury Church, Worting (end of stage 2) The porch area of the church of St Thomas of Canterbury will now be left open by the parish for pilgrims to gain a stamp. This thoughtful act will help pilgrims record their arrival at the outskirts of Basingstoke, normally the end of stage 2. Read about the medieval origin of the church, the ‘great fire’ of Worting and its history up to today on this link. St Thomas of Canterbury Church 4th May 2025 New pilgrim stamp at the St James Tavern, Winchester (end of stage 4) The St James Tavern has received a pilgrim stamp. This charming pub is named after the nearby medieval church of St James (now disappeared). The church was situated outside the West Gate walls of the city of Winchester. Refer to page 56 of the CSJ’s ‘Pilgrim Guide to St James’ Way’ pocket guidebook for more information. For modern-day Camino pilgrims this aptly named pub has an excellent menu and is about 400 metres off the route. To visit, after reaching the city centre at the end of Parchment Street, continue up the High Street from the Butter Cross sculpture, with shops on either side, through the West Gate and keep going for another 200 metres. St James Tavern and the new stamp 1st May 2025 Footbridge out of action until October Hampshire County Council have informed us that the footbridge between Winchester and Eastleigh (between Kiln Lane and Hambridge Road) needs in-depth structural repair and the path may be closed until 25th October 2025. The CSJ recommends this official diversion which only adds a few hundred metres and is also very pretty on its off-road section. Please, for your own safety, do not push past the tapes that block the path and attempt to cross on the footbridge. Apart from this, owing to the prolonged spell of recent dry weather and bank repairs made by the volunteers of the Itchen Navigation Preservation Trust on 12th April, the rest of the St James’ Way is fully walkable, even at the Otterbourne pumping station (day 5), where the path was a few inches under water up until July last year. 22nd April 2025 Jubilee Year pilgrim stamp This year is a Jubilee Year for the Roman Catholic Church with the theme of ‘Pilgrims of Hope’. A special pilgrim stamp to mark the year is now available from the ‘shrine churches’ at the start and end of the St Frideswide's Way and the St James' Way, as well as at St Peter's in Marlow, who hold the reputed Hand of Saint James relic. The stamp differs slightly at each church. For more details, click to view this information flyer . Via de Santus Iacobus from Oxford The completion certificate, previously only for pilgrims who walk the whole of the St James’ Way from Reading, is now also available to pilgrims who walk from Oxford. A version that acknowledges both routes - the Frideswide’s Way and St James’ Way - can be claimed at either God’s House Tower or Tudor House & Garden in Southampton. Just ask for it, yet the prerequisite of the Way to receive it is the pilgrim stamps in your credencial and your heart. God’s House Tower (GHT) open on Thursdays GHT, the finishing venue of this English leg of the Camino Inglés, is now also open on Thursday from 10am to 4pm, in addition to Friday and Saturday (10am – 5pm), and Sunday (10am - 4pm). If arriving in Southampton on Monday to Wednesday when GHT is closed, you can also obtain your completion certificate at Tudor House & Garden on Bugle Street up to 3pm. If both venues have closed, then the Platform Tavern pub on the quayside near GHT also offers the certificate. Pilgrim extraordinaire...on the radio, part 2 Sally Stoodley has completed her Camino Inglés pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela Cathedral in a wheelchair. Listen about the Spanish leg on Winchester Now (Winchester Radio is on 94.7FM, DAB): click hyperlink, then go to episode 124. New footbridge at Theale railway station Theale station, 6 miles from Reading, has a new footbridge which makes it accessible to wheelchair pilgrims – see Sunday Telegraph article . 18th February 2025 Pilgrim extraordinaire...on the radio Sally Stoodley walked the St James' Way last year in a wheelchair with the support of daughter, Jannine, and her family (see News, 22nd September 2024, on this page); a truly remarkable achievement. Please listen to the recent interview about her upcoming next leg of the Camino Ingles in Galicia. It plays at the start of the programme and is well worth a listen. Winchester Radio is on 94.7FM, DAB, go to the page for the programme Winchester Now and look for episode 116. 2nd February 2025 New pilgrim stamp at Stella Maris, Southampton Stella Maris, the largest ship-visiting network in the world, has opened a new Seafarers Club to the right of St Michael’s Church in Southampton. It now has a stamp. The charity improves the lives of seafarers and fishers through a network of local chaplains and centres, expert information, advocacy, and spiritual support. Pilgrims are welcome to pop in. Stella Maris stamp and images 20th January 2025 Facebook Group for the St James’ Way A Facebook group has been set up for the Pilgrims of the St James’ Way Camino Inglés to share their experiences, give updates, post pictures and support its development through the St James’ Way Fund. Feel free to join this private FB group, contribute to its content and receive its news. 5th October 2024 Winter detour waymarked after Shawford (on stage 5) The extended detour to bypass the ¼ mile section after the Sparrowgrove Pumping Station – see 13th September news – has been waymarked. This extension, which does not flood during the winter, passes the site of the medieval parish church of St Matthew, Otterbourne, now demolished, with the outline of the church and churchyard remaining. September rains cause small-scale flooding The water meadows after Itchen Stoke and the section above – see 15th July news – will now be flooded and must be walked around. At present, the rest of the route is walkable. The Thames Path is completely flooded at places – see link. Therefore, it is no longer possible to walk the St Frideswide’s Way from Oxford to Reading, nor walk back to Henley/Reading after visiting the Hand of St James relic at St Peter’s Church in Marlow. Both of these pilgrimages are linked to the St James’ Way and are mentioned in the CSJ’s guidebook (on pages 71 and 72). New starting point from Winchester – St Bartholomew’s Church, Hyde Remarkably the 100km to required claim a Compostela at the Pilgrims’ Reception Office in Santiago has led us to discover that the treasure of St Bartholomew’s must become the starting point for pilgrims from Winchester. For more information refer to the Camino FAQ which explains how to register the UK leg of your Camino Inglés and this press release. New pilgrim stamp at The Anglers Inn, Bishopstoke (on stage 6) The Anglers Inn beside the river Itchen in Bishopstoke has a stylish new pilgrim stamp. It is a great place to finish stage 5 with a drink and has accommodation at weekends. Friends of the Itchen Navigation Out of the Itchen Navigation Preservation Trust, a small charity that seeks to preserve and improve The Itchen Navigation for its communities, has spawned the Friends of the Itchen Navigation Facebook group. The expert leaders of this group organise work parties to help maintain the accessibility of the footpaths along the Navigation. These footpaths are walked by pilgrims on stages 5 and 6. Please consider supporting in a small way these works that make the St James’ Way Camino such a joy to walk from Winchester to Southampton, perhaps by joining the FB group. 22nd September 2024 Radio interview with Sally Stoodley, pilgrim extraordinaire On 20th September, Sally Stoodley was interviewed by Winchester Radio for the Winchester Now programme. The programme was broadcast on 20th September at 6PM and 10PM and again on 21st September at 10AM. You can listen to the programme at this link https://winchester.radio/winchester-now/ (look for episode 95). Sally (see News, 10th August, on this page) is walking to Santiago after suffering a stroke, to raise money for a hoist for Royal Hampshire County Hospital and to help others with disabilities to walk the Camino. Please share the link! 13th September 2024 Footpath flooded (on Stage 5) A pilgrim has reported that early September rains have re-flooded the route detour immediately after the Sparrowgrove Pumping Station where the Itchen path is a few inches underwater. The stretch is found on stage 5 about 1 ½ miles after Shawford. However, the flooded area of this short detour is only at its end as you walk back to the river. Therefore, please continue along the footpath until you reach a road, Kiln Lane. Turn left and carefully walk along this busy road until you pick up the route again at a road bridge – see map. 10th August 2024 Vegetation cleared at Weybrook Park Golf Course (on stage 2) Following reports of deep vegetation along the mile-long footpath beside Weybrook Park Golf Course CSJ volunteers are gradually clearing the way. Clearance of the footpath for pilgrims beside Weybrook Park Golf Course Sally Stoodley, pilgrim extraordinaire A remarkable pilgrimage partnership, Sally Stoodley in her offroad mountain trike, with her daughter, Jannine, pushing and her husband, Simon, giving logistical support, have made their way along the St James’ Way, small section by small section, since March 2024. They recently reached Preston Candover on stage 3 and plan to be in Winchester by mid-September. Sally was a really keen walker and always wanted to follow a Camino to Santiago. In 2023 she suffered a major stroke and was in hospital for 3 months. The stroke has affected her mobility yet she will not be deterred from making it to Santiago despite needing to detour around every stile, kissing gate and bank break on the route. She walks each hour as part of her challenge and is determined to walk in both Cathedrals (Winchester and Santiago). When she reaches Winchester the staff of Royal Hampshire County Hospital will join her between the Winchester Cathedral and the Hospital of St Cross. The RHC hospital, which cared for her, only has one hoist to use for all who need it. Sally is raising funds to add another hoist; click to view her JustGiving page. Sally also plans to start a charity called Adversity to Adventure. It will enable wheelchair dependent individuals to explore outdoor pursuits, such as the Camino, that require a cross-country wheelchair. Applicants will be able to borrow one of five wheelchairs, similar to the one seen in the photo, which Sally needed to purchase to complete her challenge. More will follow on Sally’s Camino. If you would like to join the family on any section of the route, please email [email protected]. For the CSJ’s advice to pilgrims with disabilities, and more information about Adversity to Adventure, click on this link. Jannine and Sally Stoodley on the route near Preston Candover New pilgrim stamps at The Barn, Bramley (on stage 2) and Coffee #1, Alresford (on stage 4) A newly opened establishment, The Barn, provides an ideal stop for refreshments in Bramley on Stage 2. This farm shop & bistro serves food and drinks from 8am to 5pm, Sunday from 9am. It is 150 metres from St James Church and Cross House, a Sanctuary site. To find it, keep straight on through the St James parish car park to the road and turn left for 50 metres along the pavement to its entrance on the opposite side of the road. A pilgrim stamp can now be received at Coffee #1 in New Alresford. This coffee shop is located on the route in this beautiful Georgian town at the East Street/West Street T-junction with Broad Street, at the start of the alleyway to St John the Baptist Church. Jose and Simeon, its managers, will be pleased to greet you. Recipients of new pilgrim stamps at The Barn, Bramley and Coffee #1, Alresford Pilgrim Groups The Barracuda Explorers from Backwell, North Somerset, who set out on 27th July, and a group formed via WhatsApp after their Camino ‘first days’ walk at the Reading Walks Festival in early May, recently completed the English leg of their Camino Inglés to Santiago. Well done to all these Camino pilgrims, in particular to the leaders and organisers and Buen Camino! for their onward journey in Spain. Pilgrim groups at the Bargate and God’s House Tower in Southampton and St James Church in Reading 15th July 2024 Footpaths Open As far as we are aware the full route is walkable without major detours. As you must know, we have had an unprecedented number of footpath closures this year! Path underwater after Shawford (on stage 5) About 1 ½ miles after Shawford on the Itchen Navigation, immediately after the Sparrowgrove Pumping Station, there is a ¼ mile of the path that is still a few inches under water owing to the height of the river. Hence, the trail has narrowed due to vegetation growth on both sides through lack of use. A charming detour through woods has been cleared and waymarked from the footpath bridge just before the pumping station. It literally and perfectly bypasses this short, flooded section. Notice at Sparrowgrove Pumping Station and route detour waymarks Boggy path after Itchen Stoke (on stage 4) The permissive path through the water meadows after Itchen Stoke will still soak your walking shoes; wellies are needed. The ½ mile walk from The Bush Inn in Ovington between channels of the river Itchen to the labyrinth at the altar of St Mary’s in Itchen Stoke is arguably the most picturesque place of natural beauty in England. We recommend that you visit and afterwards backtrack to the Bush Inn, to take the winter route along Lovington Lane (also waymarked) rather than continuing along the busy main road from Itchen Stoke. Camino Pilgrim’s Shell Blessing at The Hospital of St Cross On 11th July Bishop Philip of Winchester blessed the bronze Camino Pilgrim’s Shell installed on the Beaufort Tower of the Hospital and Church of St Cross. The Shell was a commission of the CSJ’s St James’ Way Fund, which is aimed at developing the route for pilgrims. This site will now be added to the St James Locations in the UK map, a map maintained by the Confraternity - click to view this map at the bottom of this web page. The Bishop, Master and a brother of St Cross with the CSJ’s David Sinclair immediately after the blessing Pilgrim’s Progress Concert at the Chapel of St Cross – 28th July, 2:30pm All are invited to this special concert to hear a choral celebration, inspired by the Camino Pilgrim’s Shell, by Index Cantorum in recognition of St Cross on the St James’ Way. Listen to a selection of sacred and secular choral music on the theme of pilgrimage and travels. See the poster below and click this link for details. New Volunteer Footpath Wardens Also, on 11th July a ranger from Hampshire County Council (HCC) Countryside Services Team gave a small group of CSJ members and volunteers ‘Volunteer Footpath Warden’ training over MS Teams. HCC funding and resources are such that local groups, like that in CSJ’s Regional Groups, are needed to maintain footpaths for walkers. Sections of the St James’ Way require vegetation clearance during the summer for pilgrims to enjoy this English Camino. If you’d like to receive this basic training and join this group to help out when working parties are formed, please contact Peter Dunn by emailing [email protected]. Our trained work party on 13th July tackling the ‘troublesome’ Bishopstoke section St Frideswide’s Way launch It’s official – it is now possible to start your Camino Inglés in Oxford at Christ Church Cathedral. On 25th June the St Frideswide Way was launched by the ‘All We Restless Travellers’ conference, followed by an inaugural 4-day pilgrimage to Reading, where the route connects with the St James’ Way. A Pilgrim’s Companion to Saint Frideswide’s Way guide and first pilgrim stamp are available at the cathedral. The next phase of the route’s development is the addition of pilgrim stamps to its churches. Currently, various ‘stamping stations’ established by the Walk the Thames company along the route will stamp your pilgrim passport – for their locations view this link. The CSJ’s conference speakers, Andrew Christensen and William Griffiths, at the Shrine of Saint Frideswide in Christ Church Cathedral © Anne Bailey 3rd June 2024 Alternative route for the footpath closure between Allbrook and Eastleigh (on stage five) Some bank breaks in the Itchen Navigation after Allbrook are dangerous to cross. As a result, Hampshire County Council have imposed a footpath closure from 17th May to 31st July, until the banks are repaired. We have tried out two detour options and discovered a wonderful alternative route that walks a section of the Water Vole Way. To take this 2 ½ mile option (which adds about ½ mile to the route), at Allbrook turn left along the Highbridge Road and immediately after crossing the river, take the footpath opposite. This detour, with maps and images, is detailed in this download. Enjoy it, we did! 15th May 2024 Planned footpath closures before and after Little London One mile and 2 ½ miles after St James church, Bramley, two footpath closures on the route are planned for public safety. National Grid is upgrading the overhead electricity lines. The works are scheduled for: 1. 21st May to 24th June (5 weeks) 2. 20th August to 3rd September (2 weeks) To detour around: 1. At Bramley Corner, continue down Ash Lane past the route footpath (while closed), for ½ km. Take the next left, Frog Lane, and after 200 metres go left again onto a footpath along the edge of a field, to rejoin the route at Boars Bridge Farm. 2. On New Road, 400 metres after Little London, go past the route footpath (while closed) down the road for a further ½ km. OS maps indicate a footpath on the left – take it for ½ km but it may be little used. Upon reaching the main Aldermaston Road go left for a kilometre to rejoin the route opposite the Bramley Road junction and 50 metres before the Queens College Arms pub. Both route detours avoid the busy Bramley Road with no footpath along its verge. Below are maps from Hampshire County Council notices and an image from the National Grid notice about these footpath closures: 1st May 2024 New contact at St Mary’s, Sulhamstead Abbots (on stage one) Please contact Rev. Anthony Peabody in advance and not Ros Coulston, as given in the old edition of the guidebook. He will be very happy to greet you and show you St Mary’s Church (8.5 miles/13.6km from Reading). This church is this Camino’s first destination after leaving the abbey. His contact details are below. Extract from the next edition of the guidebook: “Note that where stamps are available by prior arrangement at churches, please ensure you contact them in advance by at least a day or two, preferably a week. They want to make your pilgrimage as uplifting and enjoyable as possible and will be pleased to hear from you in good time. This request applies in particular to St Mary’s at Sulhamstead Abbots on stage 1 – please ring ahead to Anthony Peabody on 0118 983 2491 or email [email protected].” Updated guidebook and new map booklet The CSJ UK expects to receive copies of the updated guidebook "A Pilgrim Guide to St James’ Way" very soon and will make them available on this website as soon as possible, estimated early May 2024. We apologise for the continuing inconvenience for ministers and pilgrims due to out-of-date contact details in the old guidebook. Another valuable pilgrimage resource, the Harper Collins map booklet, which traces the route, is in print production and will also be available for purchase as soon as possible, likely early May. 22nd April 2024 Walkable footpaths from Reading The ground underfoot has significantly dried over the last week following a spell of good weather. Footpaths from the start on the route beside the river Kennet are walkable. They have one small bank break to negotiate and a small makeshift bridge to cross – see the photos below. At the end of the route, by now the river Itchen will have similar easily passable obstacles. Obstacles on the banks of the river Kennet on 21st April 2024 Stamps for Sanctuaries The three overnight sanctuary sites on the St James’ Way Camino that offer basic overnight refuge through the British Pilgrimage Trust’s website, recently updated, now have a special stamp to record your visit in a pilgrim passport. 8th April 2024 Footpath closures The rainy weather has not relented for a sustained period; water table levels are generally high. So, it varies from challenging to impossible to walk the start and end of the route by the rivers Kennet and Itchen. Some footpaths remain closed. Expect to wade at points. Local river levels and flood warnings for the Kennet and Itchen can be viewed here. Additionally, the bridleway past Stable Futures (formerly Simms Stud Farm) between Mortimer and Silchester is currently a bog. Navigate around this stretch using country lanes. River Kennet leaving Reading on 4th April 2024 Preston Candover In the beautiful rural Hampshire village of Preston Candover, the Candover Valley Store is now the only place open to top up supplies and get a pilgrim stamp. This excellently stocked community-run store can be found a further 300 metres past The Purefoy Arms pub, which recently closed. The pub’s reopening plans are unclear. Approach to Dummer - Alternative Route An alternative route has been waymarked to Kempshott Park, Dummer from the old Roman Road (now a cycle path) about two miles after Worting, Basingstoke. This pleasant walk is recommended and safer and avoids the busy roads (in planning) on the existing route. It is described in the next edition of the St James’ Way guidebook. From the foot and cycle path, the route continues straight on through the Old Down Nature Reserve, along Beggarwood Lane, past The Holly Blue pub and a shopping square, and down Longwood Copse Lane to the footbridge over the M3. Waymarks for the two route options 25th February 2024 Footpath closures Please put on hold your St James’ Way Camino plans until April. The rivers Kennet and Itchen, at the start and end of the route respectively, are in flood. Several severe bank breaks, or complete submersion, make footpaths dangerous or impassable at places. Additionally, some of these footpaths are forcibly closed by councils – see the Reading BC notice dated 22nd February in the image below. Once reopened “a winter alternative route out of Reading … is to follow the Sustrans NCN4 (National Cycle Network, Route 4) signage from the Oracle along the LH side of the river for a mile, initially through an underpass and housing, then parallel to the river, until it joins the route after crossing the bridge at Rose Kiln Lane. It is much drier and wider.” (extract from the next edition of ‘A Pilgrim Guide to St James’ Way’ due for release next month). Footpath closures 22nd February 2024 Reading Museum registers pilgrims Reading Museum & Town Hall, the St James’ Way official Pilgrims’ Office, is the go-to place upon arriving in Reading to register your Camino. The museum has added a St James’ Way page to their website – see link. This webpage gives introductory information about Reading’s pilgrimage history and instructions on how to simply register your walking of the route if you are unable to visit in person. Please take time to register and also to explore this venue, which is near Reading Station, the Camino Street Mural, and the start at St James Church. BBC film On Wednesday, 13th December 2023, The One Show played an informative 4-minute film about this “first UK Camino.” This film, presented by Spencer Matthews from ‘Made in Chelsea’ fame, is likely to generate a lot of interest in walking the St James’ Way this year. Scenes can be seen in the image below, credit BBC. The One Show broadcasts on BBC One weeknights at 7pm, entertaining a regular audience of 3 million viewers, with a mix of topical stories from across the UK, big-name studio guests and much-loved talent. Scenes from The One Show, 13th December 2023 (BBC) “Peregrino Menu” at The Cricketers Under new management The Cricketers Inn, so named owing to the nearby cricket ground, is the first venue in the UK to offer an English-style “peregrino menu”. This substantial meal is widely available to Camino pilgrims at restaurants and albergues in Spain. Present your pilgrim passport and ask for the “pilgrim’s menu”, to be given the choice of a two-course, hot or cold, menu at a special price. The pub is situated between Martyr Worthy and Kings Worthy. To find it, venture 500 metres off the route down Easton Lane, crossing the river Itchen into the Hampshire village of Easton. The Cricketers Inn also has a pilgrim stamp and lodgings. Via de Sanctus Iacobus at the Platform Tavern The historic Platform Tavern, on Southampton quayside and only 20 metres away from God’s House Tower (GHT), now has a pilgrim stamp. Additionally, if arriving late in the day when GHT and Tudor House & Garden are closed, the pub will issue the Via de Sanctus Iacobus to pilgrims with stamps from Reading. It has its own version of the certificate following collaborative works with GHT. Recently the pub was destroyed inside by a fire and was on the verge of ‘permanent’ closure. Thanks to sterling fund-raising efforts it has been saved, reopening on 21st December 2023. Sanctuary – now available to pilgrims The first three sanctuaries, which offer basic overnight refuge to pilgrims, have been added to the British Pilgrimage Trust’s website: 1. Sulhamstead & Ufton Village Hall. A pleasant walk of one mile from St Mary’s in Sulhamstead Abbots. This venue is 8.5 miles/13.6 kilometres along the St James’ Way from Reading. 2. Cross House, Bramley. The parish building beside the medieval Church of St James. 17 miles/27.2 km along the route. 3. Hector’s House, Preston Candover. Camping. 33.5 miles/53.6 km along the route. The St James’ Way Fund hopes to provide soft matting and tents at these sites for pilgrims. St James' Way (Sanctuary) 10th December 2023 Major Travel Award Nomination The St James’ Way was shortlisted, an accolade in itself, for the Best UK and Ireland Tourism Project at the British Guild of Travel Writers Awards 2023. At the awards on 5th November in the Temple, London, the project did not win, yet can the Camino ever lose! Its representatives, Alex Brannen and David Sinclair, enjoyed a memorable evening. For this nomination, our great thanks go to all the CSJ volunteers who have supported the project to revive the route over the last 2 ½ years and continue to do so. The British Guild of Travel Writers Awards 2023 River Itchen Bank Improvements Three previously challenging small stretches along the river Itchen between Shawford and Allbrook that experienced flooding have seen bank improvements this summer. Pilgrims will fondly remember having to cross the bank break seen in the image on the left below. A sturdy bridge now makes for easy passage, all thanks to the Hampshire County Council Countryside Service team. 1st August 2023 Route Maintenance Over three days during May and June, the route between Worting to Southampton was walked to maintain its waymarks. This led to the painting of several new yellow arrows. Pilgrim Stamps Unfortunately, The Junction Inn in Southampton has closed for the foreseeable future. To fill this gap, a new pilgrim stamp is now available at The White Swan, Mansbridge. This pub is found 400m off route on the river Itchen, left after crossing Mans Bridge on the approach to Southampton. A 20% discount on food and drink is given to pilgrims. Additionally, a coffee and tea lounge with cakes and food (converted pub) that only received a stamp in May – The Olive Tree in Monk Sherborne – sadly closed on 29th July owing to ever increasing costs. A new stamp is now available at Platform 1 in Shawford. This coffee shop at Shawford Station opens at 7:30am during the week and 9am at weekends for early-bird pilgrims. Winchester – Pilgrim Notice Do check out this new group photo opportunity – a St James’ Way/Camino Inglés pilgrimage ‘milestone’ notice near the entrance to Winchester Cathedral. It is located on the lamppost by the war memorial. Its 5-year placement comes after lengthy permission applications with the local authorities. Local CSJ member and volunteer, Brian Muddle, put up the notice, which has identical dimensions as the start notice at St James Church, Reading. Sanctuary Initial requests to offer ‘Sanctuary’ under the British Pilgrimage Trust’s scheme have been made to selected sites along the route. The scheme would provide basic budget overnight refuge to pilgrims. However, it’s very early days, as the governing bodies must agree to offer sanctuary and procedures and policies reviewed. Manage Cookie Preferences