River Pilgrimages
What if river pilgrimages could help heal the landscapes we belong to?
In 2025, we set out to explore that question.
Over nine days, we walked the length of the River Medway - from her source to where she converges with the Thames, and flows onward to sea.
And, what emerged was a woven tapestry.
We monitored the river’s health, collected data, and cleared her banks. We held a gathering for farmers and landowners, leading to the expansion of a growing Upper Medway cluster that continues to meet regularly. We organised a conference with leading legal experts to discuss the Rights of Rivers, bringing councillors from across the catchment together for the first time. We ran an art exhibition with The Medway as Our Muse. We honoured the Medway, through ceremony and song, drawing upon ancient traditions to give thanks to all the gifts she provided.
And, we remembered: what it means to be in relationship with a river.
Look at Mark Brummell’s full gallery here.
Our next pilgrimage: 17–26 July
We are returning to the river once more.
This year, we will go deeper: in our connection, and in our action, to help bring the river back to vitality.
Learn more and register via the button below.
“The time has come to set out for sacred ground […] that will stir our sense of wonder.”
Phil Cousineau, The Art of Pilgrimage