Canterbury Tales: a L'Arche pilgrimage Pilgrims have been travelling on foot to Canterbury for over 850 years. They often set out in search of community, seeking time to think and reflect, looking for peace, hope or sense of purpose. Many people come to L'Arche for these reasons too! Ever since L'Arche opened in Kent, more than fifty years ago, groups of pilgrims from our Community have been following in their footsteps. In May 2025, we set off from the seaside town of Westgate-on-Sea, cleaving close to the coastline for several days until we reached Whitstable Bay, before turning south to Canterbury, the home of our L'Arche Community. “Then people long to go on pilgrimage,” wrote Geoffrey Chaucer. As people with and without disabilities, each of us makes the journey in a different way and at different speeds, enjoying the hospitality of friends and strangers as we go. On our annual pilgrimage, we experience unexpected encounters, and friendships grow — just as they did for the pilgrims of Chaucer's day. Below you can discover some of our highlights. Where to start? We usually design a new t-shirt to wear on pilgrimage each here. Here Przemek shows off the full collection Getting creative But this year, we decided to upcycle and redecorate some old ones as we prepared to set out on our way A long road ahead On a grey morning, Rebecca and Gerry got us into walking mood by leading us with songs A wet start Vince and Antonela brave the wind and the rain on the first day A changing path We walked along roads and paths, crossing fields and railway tracks A glorious welcome We arrived at St Nicholas-at-Wade and were treated to tea and cakes The road to Reculver On Day 2, we walked past the famous Reculver Towers Take a break There are plenty of opportunities to stop and chat - like Dan (L) and Lance are doing here Just one cornetto? Antonela (L) polishing off a 99. But where is Melanie's?! The huts of Herne Bay On Day three, we walked from Herne Bay to Whitstable Along the seafront Witek (L) and Sara (R) lead the way under the cliffs and along the coastal path Showing off? There was plenty of chance to discuss who had the best pilgrimage wear The final stretch The final destination was our beautiful community garden, the Glebe Backpacks off Helene, Vince, Antonela and Ben relaxing under a tree at the Glebe Everyone a winner! Once everyone's arrived, we share a group photo - and a great barbecue! Manage Cookie Preferences