Solo Pilgrimage: The Road as Teacher

For some, pilgrimage is most powerful when walked alone—fast-paced, long-distance, rugged, and raw.  This is where Pilgrim Ann thrives: moving swiftly between villages rarely visited by outsiders between the meaningful starting point and the desired destination. In these quiet corners of the world, she meets people in their daily lives, sharing her journey and inviting them to take part in it. By rallying their hospitality, encouragement, and generosity, she transforms each stop into a moment of shared purpose—villagers become champions of the pilgrimage, if only for a night, offering whatever support they can to help her reach the distant destination. This is the heart of pilgrimage: encountering humanity in its purest form, building trust step by step. 

...but... solo pilgrimage isn’t only for mendicant pilgrims. Sabbaticant Pilgrims—those responding to their heart's call to take a sabbatical or to step away from routine life for a few months—may be drawn to the same deep engagement with the world but prefer a more structured or self-funded experience. While mendicancy is an imperative part of Ann’s own practice, she recognizes that not everyone is called to that level of austerity. The essence of pilgrimage is not about hardship, but about stepping into the unknown, trusting the road, and being open to transformative encounters.

For those who feel called to walk alone but wan guidance in shaping their journey, Ann offers detailed itinerary planning and mentorship—helping Sabbaticant Pilgrims turn a dream into a viable route.  This includes:

• Crafting a meaningful itinerary that aligns with spiritual and historical interests

• Guidance on finding shelter, whether through mendicancy or other means

• Strategies for engaging with locals to experience the full depth of pilgrimage

• Locating pertinent shrines, monasteries, or sacred sites to enrich the experience

A solo pilgrimage is not just a long walk—it is a way of seeing the world differently.  Whether you are drawn to the challenge of true mendicancy or simply want to experience pilgrimage as a deep encounter with the places and people along the way, the road is waiting.

A Summer Like No Other: Walk, Explore, Transform

Ditch the ordinary.  Spend your summer on a once-in-a-lifetime pilgrimage—walking ancient pathways, uncovering the story of a saint, or journeying to a sacred destination.  These 6- to 10-week, low-budget adventures cover about 30 km (18 mi) per day, sticking to rural tracks and quiet roads.

Pilgrim Ann organizes the day-to-day itinerary and  basic interior shelter, and brings her love of cooking to the journey—crafting simple, satisfying meals with whatever ingredients and kitchen setup the day provides.  Whether it’s a shared meal around a monastery table or a creative one-pot feast in village park, food is part of the adventure. 

Designed for active young adults with an open mind and a free summer, this is more than just a long walk—it's an experience of deep connection, personal growth, and adventure in the supportive company of like-minded peers.  No two pilgrims bring the same background, but all bring curiosity and a willingness to be transformed. 

This is not tourism—there’s no catering to whims or pre-planned comforts. Pilgrimage is a commitment, a daily rhythm of walking toward a distant destination, immersed in the changing landscapes, languages, and cultures along the way.  It’s what you've learned about history, geography, and faith come to life beneath your feet—a journey that challenges, inspires, and leaves you changed in ways you never expected. 

These pilgrimages happen nearly every summer and are typically proposed by a few spirited wannabee pilgrims around a particular theme.  With just an idea, a pilgrimage path is devised considering history, culture, landscape, etc and then opened for others to join.  Groups have been from 3 to 10 pilgrims.

Take the leap. Before careers, commitments, and daily routines take over, give yourself the chance to explore—both the world and yourself.

Small Group Pilgrimages: Walk with Purpose

For those who feel drawn to pilgrimage but aren’t sure how to make it happen, small group pilgrimages offer a way forward. Organized and accompanied by a Servant Pilgrim, these journeys typically last 10 to 30 days, covering about 20 km (12 mi) per day. Each pilgrimage is centered around a saint, a group of saints, a spiritual theme, or a sacred destination—often sparked by the enthusiasm of a pilgrim or small group who brings forth an idea, which is then opened to others once the itinerary and dates are set.  There are some favorites that are repeated periodically, or new ones that arise by requests.

This is not tourism. There’s not much luxury, nor curated experiences—just the steady rhythm of walking, the camaraderie of fellow pilgrims, and the unfolding mystery of the road ahead. It’s a chance to step away from routine, engage deeply with history and faith, and experience the world in a way that only pilgrimage allows.

If you have a pilgrimage idea but lack the experience, confidence, or time to organize it alone, this is for you. Ann or another Servant Pilgrim takes care of logistics—planning the route, securing basic shelter, and ensuring simple meals—so that you can fully immerse yourself in the journey. Each pilgrim walks at their own pace, carrying what they need, moving forward together in spirit.

Whether you’re called to a particular place, curious about walking with others, or simply looking for a transformative way to travel, this is an invitation to take the first step.