The Parish of Canvey Island
St Peter’s Way Pilgrimage
Following in
St. Peter’s Footsteps
As we journey along this long
distance path towards the
ancient chapel at Bradwell, which
St Cedd dedicated to St Peter,
we will reflect on St Peter’s life
and discipleship.
Pilgrimage Prayer
Be thou a bright flame before me,
Be though a guiding star above me,
Be thou a smooth path below me,
Be thou a kindly shepherd behind me,
Today, tonight and forever
Amen
St Columba
Day 1: Chipping Ongar – Margaretting
(10.5 miles)
“travel light, you don’t need a lot of equipment.
You are the equipment”
An interpretation of Matthew 10 v9-10
We start our pilgrimage with Morning Prayer at
(replace this section with details of the church where you are starting)
Canvey Island - St Nicholas’
Built in 1960 on farm land owned by the local Council in partnership with
the London Boroughs of Barking, Dagenham and Walthamstow who had
hoped to use the land for Council housing. Built to meet the needs of a
growing population.
Morning Prayer Reading
Matthew 4 v18-20 - Being called to follow
Peter was among the first disciples that Jesus called. He immediately
responded to Jesus’ call.
As we begin our travelling, we leave behind the strain and stress of our
daily lives and look forward to spending time with God.
We travel by car to the start of our walk,
Chipping Ongar - St Martin’s
Dates from the 11th century
[Toilets available behind the church - need key from church contact]
Reading:
John 2 v13 Psalm 122 - Pilgrimage to Jerusalem
As a Jew, Peter would have made pilgrimage to Jerusalem for Jewish
Festivals. He would have known the Psalms and would have sung Psalm
122 while travelling towards Jerusalem.
As we set off on our pilgrimage, the destination may be a different holy
place, but we pray that the inward journey of pilgrimage will take us to
where God wants us to be.
Route notes:
10.15am approx. - Set off from Chipping Ongar - Along Castle Street
behind church. Past children’s play area then there’s a right turning
across the field.
(Half way between High Ongar and Paslow, there is a discrepancy
between the map and the signposts/ Essex County Council document.)
Steady incline.
At Paslow Common Farm go to the right of the buildings then follow
round behind the buildings and take the path straight across the field. Do
not take the path to the right along the edge of the field.
Blackmore – St Laurence
(4.75 miles)
This Priory Church marks the site of a former Augustine monastery,
dissolved during the reign of Henry VIII in 1525. The church is the original
building.
[Toilet available (& at Tea Rooms nearby)]
Reading:
Acts 10 (all) - All are equal to God
Peter was challenged by God to think outside the box, to go against the
primacy of the Jewish race that he had been brought up with, to realise
that all are equal in God’s eyes.
We are travelling with people we may not know so well, and we will meet
strangers along the way.
“The key is to realise that we could be ‘entertaining angels
unawares’ and so treat everyone as a gift and a joy”
(Pocket Prayers for Pilgrims compiled by John Pritchard)
Route notes:
Aim to leave Blackmore by 1.30pm. Go into Blackmore village and pick
up path across the road from duck ponds – there is no path to the right of
the church (as you come away from it) where there seems to be on the
map. (Pause at the Tea shop!)
At Maple Tree Lane the sign suggests you should have joined the lane
further down, but the Essex County Council document agrees with the
route on the map.
When come out of path across wood just before the Viper pub, turn right
(away from the Viper) and the path is behind the houses.
Leave the St Peter’s Way when reach the B1002 at Margaretting – cross
the road and take the path to the church (0.75 miles)
Margaretting – St Margaret’s
(10.5 miles)
Dates from 15th Century although it is suggested that there was a Saxon
chapel on the site and to the left of the North Porch, by which you enter,
there are Roman tiles in the wall, itself dated about 1130. The first
recorded vicar came in 1328.
[Portaloo facility available. Key to church available from No 1 Cottage]
Eucharist Service
Psalm 121
At the end of the first day we recall in the Psalm the strength we get from
God. Our feet may have slipped, but he has been (and will continue to be)
there at our side.
Mark 9 v2-9 - Seeing God - the Transfiguration
Peter was privileged to have been present at the transfiguration, where
God again revealed the Godly aspect of Jesus. Are we aware when God
reveals his glory to us?
A short taxi ride to overnight accommodation Oak Lodge B&B, Writtle.
“The Lord will watch over your coming and going,
both now and for evermore”
Psalm 121 v8
Christ our Guide,
Stay with us on our pilgrimage
through life:
When we falter, encourage us;
When we stumble, steady us;
And when we have fallen, pick us
up.
Help us to become, step by step,
more truly ourselves,
And remind us that you have
travelled
this way before us.
Angela Ashwin
(Pocket Prayers for Pilgrims compiled by John Pritchard)
Day 2: Margaretting – Bicknacre
(12.25 miles)
Transfer from Writtle by taxi to
Bishopscourt, Margaretting
The home of the Rt Revd Stephen Cottrell, the 10th Bishop of Chelmsford.
(Make prior arrangements to meet, or enjoy the Prayer Labyrinth in the
front garden)
Morning Prayer / Eucharist Service
1 Peter 2 v4-10 - Living stones
Matthew 16 v 13-20 - Recognising Jesus
Just as Jesus called Peter the rock on which he would build his church, we
are called to be living stones, building up God’s spiritual house and
perhaps be the starting blocks through which others may find their true
foundation in Christ.
As we continue on our journey, let us remain solid in the faith which is
ours through Jesus Christ.
Route notes:
Walk down the B1002 to re-join St Peter’s Way (after approx. 1 mile). Go
right back to the point where left the path to go to St Margaret’s so as to
cover the complete route!
Low & dark tunnel under railway.
At Fristling Hall take the main driveway away from the buildings.
Along the side of the golf course then up steep hill.
Use Street map of Stock. At Stock, there is a Village Hall which has toilets
(if open) and benches outside.
After Stock, Section of road up Leatherbottle Hill, then along country lane
and across fields.
At West Hanningfield turn right - off the route a short way to reach the
church.
West Hanningfield - St Mary & St Edward
(7.5 miles / 18 total)
A small church of 12th Century origin much altered in the 18th and 19th
Century.
[Toilet facility in the Belltower. Open during day.]
Reading Acts 12 v6-11 - Peter is led by an Angel from Prison
Peter had acknowledged Christ as Lord. Standing true to this faith was not
easy and landed him in prison. God was there and sent his angels to
protect him. We will experience difficult situations, maybe during this
pilgrimage. God may not always free us from them in the way we may
expect, but he will help us through them.
Route notes:
Walking across fields, across the A130 – across field of horses and up a
hill
“What do I mean by walking? I mean, press on from good to
better…..So sing alleluia and keep on walking”
St Augustine
East Hanningfield - All Saints
(10.5 miles / 21 total)
The first church was built in the 7th Century by the Saxon Chief when he
was converted to Christianity. This church was burnt down by a fire that is
thought to have started in a heating stove, in 1883. The present All Saints'
Church, was consecrated by the Bishop of St Albans in June 1885.
[Church contact had keys to toilet facility across the road]
Reading 1 Peter 5 v6-11 - Standing strong
Standing up for our faith will be difficult, but Peter calls on us to be
strong, to stand firm and to know that Christ will restore us.
Route notes
Walking across fields, roads through housing at Bicknacre
Path enters Deerhurst Chase, then right into Brockenhurst Way, left into
Lyndhurst Drive, right into The Grove, right at the main road.
Bicknacre - St Andrews
(12.25 miles/22.25 total)
There was a Priory of Bicknacre. Its possessions were not extensive, and it
was often in difficulties, in 1311 and 1313 being sequestrated on account
of its indebtedness.
Eucharist Service
Psalm 23
The Psalm reminds us that God will guide and comfort us through the
difficult paths.
“Surely goodness and mercy will follow me
all the days of my life”
Psalm 23 v6
John 13 v4-17 - Being washed by Jesus
At the end of the second day of our journeying, we may be weary and
footsore. Jesus offers to revive and refresh us. Let us accept his care, and
consider how we can share that care with those we are making the
journey with.
A short taxi ride to overnight accommodation Whych Elm & Chestnuts B&Bs, Danbury
Gracious God,
In you is our rest.
Thank you for the rhythms of the
journey,
Times of effort and times of
relaxation,
Times of encounter and times of
solitude.
May our lives increasingly echo
The rhythms of your love
And the beauty of your presence
Until the pilgrimage is complete
And we rest eternally in you
(Pocket Prayers for Pilgrims compiled by John Pritchard)
Day 3: Bicknacre – Steeple
(12.9 miles)
Transfer back to St Andrew’s, Bicknacre via taxi (or 2 mile walk)
Bicknacre - St Andrews
Morning Prayer Reading
Luke 22 v54-62 - Peter’s Denial
Under pressure, Peter denied Jesus. We don’t always do the right thing.
We may be critical of others when they do the wrong thing in our view we may judge them without understanding their context.
As we start a new day, God gives us opportunity to start afresh, to do the
right thing, to stand up for him and to treat others right.
Route notes
From Bicknacre: Complicated set of paths through woods then lots of
cutting across fields. When cross road after Corporation Farm, path goes
along the left side of the hedge along the field. Uphill to Purleigh, down
to the Vineyard (pause to sing) then up again to the church.
Come on in and taste the new wine,
The wine of the kingdom,
The wine of the kingdom of God.
Here is healing and forgiveness,
The wine of the kingdom,
The wine of the kingdom of God.
(Graham Kendrick)
Purleigh – All Saints
He longs to do much more than
Our faith has yet allowed,
To thrill us and surprise us
With His sovereign power.
Where darkness has been darkest
The brightest light will shine,
His invitation comes to us,
It's yours and it is mine.
(4.5 miles/ 26.75 total)
Dates from 14th century. Rev Robert Francis Walker who was a Curate,
from 1819 to 1854, and well known translator of Christian books from
German to English is buried in the Churchyard.
[Toilets available]
Reading 1 Peter 4 v7-11 - Use God’s Gifts wisely
God gives us gifts so that we can do right – so our lives can reflect God’s
glory. Let us renew our determination to use our gifts.
“so that in all things God may be praised” (v.11)
Route notes
When enter fields from Purleigh, path doubles back on itself, covering 2
sides of a triangle rather than the more direct path.
At Mundon turn left at West Chase (footpath sign was missing)
Mundon - St Marys
(7.5 miles/29.75 total)
Built within the moated enclosure of Mundon Hall. It is thought that an
earlier church existed on the site, possibly dating back to the Anglo-Saxon
era, as it is situated on St Peter's Way.
[open but no facilities]
Reading Acts 3 v1-10 - Peter heals the crippled beggar
The gift of our faith in Jesus Christ is more precious than gold or silver. As
we walk, we only have that which we carry on our backs. But we have the
gift of God in our hearts. May we look for opportunities to share this gift.
Route notes
Walking across fields and sea wall
At Maylandsea, some road walking, sea wall, across field of horses
Steeple - St Lawrence & All Saints
(12.5 miles/34.75 total)
The original Parish Church of St Lawrence was destroyed by fire and the
current Church was built in the centre of the village in 1884.
Eucharist Service
Psalm 104 v1-18, 31
In this Psalm we reflect on the glory of God’s creation, which we have
experienced first-hand through our travelling.
John 20 v1-10 - Empty tomb
Peter wasn’t the first at the tomb. Was he apprehensive after his denial?
But he was the one that Mary turns to when she thinks the body has been
stolen. He remains the rock in difficult situations.
Continue walking to The Star Inn, Steeple for overnight stay.
Though the night of doubt and
sorrow,
onward goes the pilgrim band,
singing songs of expectation,
marching to the promised land.
One the light of God’s own
presence
o’er his ransomed people shed,
chasing far the gloom and terror,
bright’ning all the path we tread.
One the object of our journey,
one the faith which never tires,
one the earnest looking forward,
one the hope our God inspires.
(Bernhardt Severin Ingemann)
Day 4: Steeple – St Peter- on- the- Wall, Bradwell
(8.7 miles)
Potential to be joined by others who want to pilgrimage the final day
Pilgrim steps, I pray
are but one at a time today.
for if more might be required
I will see it as not desired
to even begin the way in prayer
less I fall into some despair.
But God asks only this somehow
for me to take but one step with
my God now.
Amen.
Steeple - The Star Inn
Morning Prayer Reading
Acts 2v 1-6, 14-17, 22-24, 32-33, 37-38, 41
God gives the Holy Spirit at Pentecost
Peter was among the disciples when God sent his gift of the Holy Spirit.
With God’s power within him, he stood firm and shared his faith.
As we set off on the final day of our pilgrimage, let us be aware of God
journeying with us, and let us take any opportunities to share our faith.
Route notes
Some road walking, then across fields – potentially v. muddy and up slight
incline.
Tillingham – St Nicholas’
(3.75 miles/ 38.5 total)
A 12th century village church with a Norman Nave and 14th century bell
tower is a good example of a traditional country parish church.
[Public toilet across road]
Potential to meet with others who want to pilgrimage the last 5 miles or
who drive on to wait at the Chapel at Bradwell.
Reading 2 Peter 1 v3-8 + 10 - God has given us blessings
As well as his gift of the Holy Spirit, God pours his blessings on us – he
gives us “everything we need for life and godliness”.
There may be times today when we can sense God’s blessings; there may
be times when the going is tough and they are harder to bring to mind.
But we are blessed, whether we feel it or not.
Route notes
Path out of Tillingham is behind the church on the left.
Path not clear after Dots and Melons farm.
Ground conditions can make for hard walking if ground cracked and grass
along sea wall overgrown.
“Fix our steps, O Lord, that we stagger not at the uneven motions of
the world, but steadily go on to our glorious home”
John Wesley
Bradwell - St Peter-on-the-Wall
(8.7 miles/ 43.5 total)
In 653 AD Saint Cedd was sent by Pope Gregory to found a monastery and
bring Christianity to Essex. The Cathedral was built where the gatehouse
of the fort had been, so it was built on the wall of the fort, hence the
name. The building has survived and it is the oldest church in England.
[Toilets & refreshments at Orthona Community for a donation]
Eucharist Service
2 Peter 3 v8-15 - Being prepared for the Second coming
God gives us his gifts and blessings that we may live a godly life. Do we
use them as he wishes? Do our lives reflect his glory? As we move on from
this pilgrimage, let us resolve to stay close to God and use his gifts for his
work.
John 21: 15-20 - Another Chance
After Peter had denied Jesus, Jesus gave him the opportunity to put things
right and trusted him with leading his church.
If things haven’t gone right for us, maybe on our pilgrimage, or in our
lives back home, we know that God gives us another chance to use his
gifts to glorify him. Just like Peter went on to do.
In gratitude, in deep gratitude
for this moment, this
experience, these people
we give ourselves to you.
Lead us out to live as a changed
people
because we have shared the
Living Bread
and cannot remain the same.
Ask much of us,
expect much from us,
enable much by us,
encourage many through us.
So, Lord, may we live to your
glory,
both as citizens of earth
and citizens of the
commonwealth of heaven
Where our pilgrimage will be
complete.
(Pocket Prayers for Pilgrims compiled by John Pritchard)
Route Summary:
Day 1
Day 2
Day 3
Day 4
Chipping Ongar to Margaretting (10.5 miles)
Margaretting to Bicknacre (12.25 miles)
Bicknacre to Steeple (12.9 miles)
Steeple to Bradwell (8.7 miles)
This booklet was compiled by the Canvey Island 45 mile Pilgrims, June
2012, with grateful reference to
Pocket Prayers for Pilgrims compiled by John Pritchard
(Church House Publishing ISBN 978-0715142387).