The Pilgrim Cross Walk 2026 took place from 31 March to 5 April, bringing together over 350 young people from across the country for a powerful Holy Week pilgrimage.

Two Sixth Form students from Thornleigh, accompanied by the School Chaplain, joined three young people from local deanery parishes on this year’s journey. They were supported throughout by three members of the Salesian community.

The walking pilgrimage took place during Holy Week, from Wednesday 1 April to Good Friday 3 April. During these days, the group walked from Ely Cathedral to the Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham, sharing in prayer, reflection and community life along the way.

After completing the walk, the pilgrims joined other Pilgrim Cross groups in Walsingham, where they remained to take part in the Easter liturgies before returning home on Easter Sunday, 5 April.

Pilgrim Cross has a rich history dating back to 1948, when Wilfred Maundcote-Carter organised the first “Cross Carrying Pilgrimage of Penance and Prayer.” Originally known as Student Cross, 30 male Catholic students and chaplains walked from London to Walsingham during Holy Week. The experience was so meaningful that they resolved to make it an annual event.

The following year, due to its popularity, a second route was introduced from Nottingham, with both groups meeting in Walsingham. These routes continue today as the London and Northern walks. Over the years, the pilgrimage has grown significantly and now includes seven adult walking routes and four family routes.

The community has also become more diverse. What began as a pilgrimage for young Catholic men has grown to include women, families and pilgrims from a wide range of Christian traditions and backgrounds. In 2021, the organisation adopted the name Pilgrim Cross to reflect this inclusive and evolving community, which today includes over 300 pilgrims of all ages.

This year’s pilgrimage was a deeply spiritual and enriching experience for all involved, offering time for reflection, faith and companionship. Thornleigh has proudly supported and participated in this pilgrimage for many years.

Further information about the pilgrimage can be found here:
https://pilgrimcross.org.uk/