Via Francigena from Canterbury to Wisques

Canterbury is a popular tourist destination in England due to its historic cathedral set in the centre of this hallowed mediaeval town. Canterbury has also been an important place of pilgrimage for centuries. This importance goes beyond those heading on to Rome and merely passing through but also for those visiting the shrine of Thomas Becket, who was martyred in the Cathedral in 1170. In the cathedral, you can receive a pilgrim’s blessing and stamp for your Pilgrim Passport; simply inquire at the Welcome Office.

Leaving Canterbury, you will follow the North Downs Way through the English countryside. You will visit the small quintessentially English hamlets of Patrixbourne and Womenswold, before coming to your stop for the night, Shepherdswell. Canterbury is the only place you will pass today with a shop, so we would advise having provisions for this short day’s walk. Shepherdswell has an excellent village pub where you will be able to experience the charm of small-town England.

Leaving Shepherdswell you will make your way to the coast and Dover, your last stop in England. You walk today is through the English countryside and woodands, and you will pass by Waldershare House, set in sweeping green hillside, before heading onto Ashley. After Ashley, you will head south, reaching Charlton Cemetery on the outskirts of Dover before following the road down into town. As with yesterday, there are no places to stock up on provisions along this section, so it would be best to have some drinks and snacks to keep you going till you get to Dover. In Dover, you can visit the castle or even see the White Cliffs.

Today you will get the ferry from Dover to Calais, which generally takes one and a half hours. Information on times and prices for this crossing can be found on the following website. In Calais, be sure to visit the Town Hall with its 74m-high belfry providing breath-taking views, and while there you can see Rodin’s famous bronze statue, Les Bourgeois de Calais.

Today’s walk will be a short one following the Canal de Calais to Guines. This is a scenic route through typical French countryside, following the path of the canal the entire way.
An alternative option is available if you want to add an extra day of walking here. Instead of going directly to Guines you can walk along the coast to Wissant (a detour of 21 km). Then the following day you can walk east across to Guines (a total of 15 km).

Today’s walk from Guînes is a gentle uphill and through the countryside, woodlands, gravel paths, and small country lanes. Passing small farmhouses, you will be able to appreciate the tranquillity of this area while surrounded by sweeping views of grassy fields with forests in the distance. Ending the day, you will descend into the farming village of Licques, which will be visible for some distance before you arrive. From here, you will be collected and taken to your accommodation for the night in the nearby Tournehem Sur La Hem.

You will be transferred from Tournehem Sur La Hem back to Licques this morning. Leaving Licques, you will walk through undulating countryside and villages such as Alquines, Bouvelinghem, and Acquin-Westbécourt. Take a break here to visit the cafés and bars for a welcome bite to eat. Passing through the last village before your walk finishes, Leulinghem, you will step into open countryside with panoramic views in all directions. Finally, you will wind your way down into the village of Wisques, which has two Benedictine abbeys.

After breakfast, we bid you farewell. The Benedictine abbeys in Wisques are well worth visiting, as is a ‘Grand Château’ in the town dating from the 14th Century. Otherwise, you can simply rest and reflect on your amazing trip.