The Abbesses' Way

Livestock – Please take care walking through fields with livestock.  Before entering the field, survey the scene, be aware of what is there and devise an escape plan in case that is required.  Be particularly cautious about entering a field with cows or horses with young especially if you have a dog.  Do your utmost not to the frighten or disturb the animals.  Keep dogs on a lead unless you are charged by the animals in which case the advice is to let the dog(s) off the lead.  Do not feed any animals.

Walking with dogs – Dogs should be kept on leads in all circumstances except for open areas where it is safe for them to run free, eg an empty beach or extensive woodlands without livestock.  Please ensure that all dog poo is bagged and binned in municipal waste bins or taken home.  If walking with dogs on a hot day, please ensure that you carry water for the dog and a receptacle for them to drink from.  Please refer to our website for more information on walking with dogs (https://www.britishpilgrimage.org/resources/paws-on-pilgrimage).

Walking alone – Good practice is to let others know where you are walking and when you get back so that there is someone to raise the alarm if you have a problem.  Outdoor Active offer a ‘buddy beacon’ service where a friend can track your movements. We have written more full on personal safety (https://www.britishpilgrimage.org/resources/personal-safety) on our website.  

Walking on roads – The default safe practice on roads is to walk towards the traffic, ie on the right hand side but there are many exceptions to this rule, eg if there is only a pavement on the left, that would be the safer option.  On quiet lanes, walk on the most visible side, particularly when approaching a bend (crossing the road in advance of the bend).  If a car approaches and there's not much space, stand flat against the side of the road to reduce the amount of space you are taking up. When walking in a group on such roads, keep together and as much off the road as the verge allows.  In dim light or at night, ensure you have a torch and are wearing something fluorescent.

Emergency – If you have an accident, dial 999 who can put you through to the police or ambulance services and then onto mountain rescue if you are remotely situated or not near a roadhead.  All the emergency services use what3words to locate people and we recommend you download this app prior to your pilgrimage.   

Prior preparation – This is always the safest approach.  Know where you are going, how to get there and back; check maps beforehand and take them with you or ensure your online maps are downloaded onto your phone in case you lose signal.  The GPS works without signal when maps are downloaded offline. Ensure you have the correct equipment and enough food and water for the walk.  Check the weather forecast prior to your pilgrimage and on the day – it is always subject to change.

Own risk – Pilgrims undertake pilgrimages featured on the BPT Outdoor Active account at their own risk.  You can read more here (https://www.britishpilgrimage.org/resources/disclaimer-for-self-guided-pilgrims).