Men’s Canterbury Camino 2026
September 14 to 27, 2026
Spiritual Focus
Join us on a Men’s Canterbury Camino with Fr. Jeff Martin as we trace the path taken by centuries of pilgrims honoring St. Thomas Becket, martyr and defender of the faith while walking to the Cathedral of Canterbury. During this Camino, you will experience:
- A time for reflection, prayer, and renewal of spirit amid the beauty of the Kent countryside.
- Daily Morning and Evening Prayer.
- Scripture reflections on pilgrimage, perseverance, and holiness.
- Opportunity for Confession and daily Mass.
Before embarking on the walk to the Cathedral of Canterbury, we will spend time in Oxford, Birmingham, and London to visit sites of the great English Catholic thinkers such as St. John Henry Newman.
Oxford
- Magdalen College – Where C.S. Lewis taught and worshipped
- The Eagle and Child Pub – Meeting place of The Inklings (Lewis, Tolkien, and friends)
- The Kilns – Lewis’s home and place of prayerful reflection
- Tolkien’s Oxford Home – Visit Northmoor Road, where The Hobbit was written
- University Church of St. Mary the Virgin – Site of many of Lewis’s sermons
- St. Aloysius Gonzaga Church (Oxford Oratory) – Connected to Newman and Tolkien’s Catholic faith
Birmingham
- The Oratory, Birmingham – Founded by St. John Henry Newman, center of his ministry
- The Birmingham Oratory Church – Newman’s resting place
Tolkien Trail (Sarehole Mill & Moseley Bog) – Inspiration for The Shire
London (Optional Extension)
- Westminster Cathedral – Reflect on the English Catholic revival
- The British Library – View Tolkien manuscripts and Lewis’s writings
- GKC’s Baptismal Church
- Ye Old Cheshire Cheese Pub
- St. Paul’s Cathedral
- St. Teresa’s Catholic Church
- St. Etheldreda’s Church
- Brompton Oratory
- Tower Church of St. Peter and Vincula (St. Peter in Chains) Thomas Moore
- St. Paul’s Anglican Cathedral
- Westminister Abbey
- Winshster War room Visit
- Tyburn Convent
After our time with the Catholic Thinkers we begin our Camino in Rochester Cathedral. From there we embark on our 3-day journey covering an estimated 30-40 miles of beautiful English landscape, ending at the Canterbury Cathedral.
Day 1 – Aylesford to Lenham
- Walk through peaceful Kentish villages and open farmland
- Stop at Harrietsham Church (St. John the Baptist) for midday prayer
- Visit local chapels along the ancient Pilgrims’ Way
- Reflection: “The road of faith begins with trust.”
Day 2 – Lenham to Chilham
- Pass through ancient forests and quiet paths
- Visit Boughton Aluph Church, long associated with medieval pilgrims
- End the day in Chilham, one of Kent’s most beautiful villages
- Evening reflection: “The companionship of pilgrims strengthens the soul.”
Day 3 – Chilham to Canterbury
- Final approach through the Stour Valley and orchard-lined lanes
- Arrive at Canterbury Cathedral – culmination of the journey
- Visit the Shrine of St. Thomas Becket
Celebrate Mass or a Pilgrim’s Thanksgiving Service - Reflection: “We have come to the house of the Lord.” (Psalm 122)
Please submit your information below to sign up for the informational meeting for the Men’s Canterbury Camino, March 9 at 6:30 pm EST. If you are unable to attend in person, a Zoom link will be sent.