The Pilgrimage Route
The pilgrimage starts at Polesworth Abbey, a beautiful setting in North Warwickshire. It proceeds via canal tow-path to Amington, though to Tamworth via the historic Castle Grounds, on to Wigginton and then to Lichfield via Hopwas, finishing at the mediaeval splendour of Lichfield Cathedral.
The total distance is about 15 miles. It will take approximately 5 hours at walking pace (1.5 hours by bicycle). You can view an interactive map of the route (and download it to your phone) via the Footpaths App, just click here.
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Alternatively, you can follow the guidance of Alan and Val Newbold, who walked the route in July 2025 and were kind enough to produce an illustrated guide - just click here.
It is up to you whether you walk the whole of St. Editha's Way in one go, or whether you walk it in sections over a longer period. Some people might take several days over it. Either way, how long it takes will depend on how fit you are, how much time you have, and how much time you want to spend exploring along the way. There are also several paths to follow, which make the route slightly longer, but avoid long stretches of road.
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For a shorter route, walkers can start at Polesworth Abbey and stop at St. Editha's, Tamworth: this is about 6.5 miles and will take about 2.5 hours. Alternatively, walkers can start at Tamworth and proceed to Lichfield Cathedral; this is about 7 miles and will take about 3 hours. There are excellent bus services across the whole route and regular connections between Lichfield and Polesworth so you need not walk the whole way back, if preferred!
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Those undertaking the pilgrimage will find lots of additional information about the churches and castle on the route in the Pilgrim Guidebook. You can pick up a copy at Polesworth Abbey and Lichfield Cathedral during opening hours, or download via the link in the footer, below.
The principal destinations along the way are below. Click on the titles to be taken to the relevant websites:
Beautiful, historic Abbey in the heart of Polesworth
Massive parish church with Anglo-Saxon roots
Victorian parish church with Burne-Jones glass
Peaceful mediaeval chapel, originally a hospital
Magnificent motte and bailey castle with Norman architecture
Ancient seat of the Bishop of Lichfield