This is an incredible 1512 trek with 5 countries, their natural landscapes, architecture, cultures, communities and climates (I can confirm tarmac melts at 35 celsius because my size boot is now imprinted on an old road in France on this route.. I've quite literally become part of history!!)
The Via Francigena holds you in its path to explore all of it’s historical wonder; starting in Canterbury, U.K at Canterbury Cathedral leading along farmers fields to the industrial energy of Dover. Learning how to walk was mastered with the help of a Ferry ;-) This and the bus that took me from the Port to Calais centre was the only form of transport other than my feet for the entirety of this incredible trek.
From Calais France gently nurtured me with its flat farmland fields of vast soft earthy colours into my daily rhythm of averaging 23 miles a day over 66 days, 3 hours and 15 minutes.
The French canals flow seamlessly as did I along them with a stream of smiling cyclists, trekkers,dog walkers, couples of all ages. I did smile a lot when an older couple consumed with young love took to the bushes to fondle the fruit only it wasn't on the bushes! He he
France has a very warm welcoming trusting energy that I absolutely loved!
3 days before reaching the France , Switzerland border the landscape begins to change with cascading mountains beginning to rise with lush green diverse forestry. The air felt cooler with each rise and the sound of flowing water became constant even if I could not see it I could hear it… I love the sound of streams, waterfalls and rivers. Its natural energy in motion that flows and passes nurturing nature like blood in veins.
There is something about standing at the peak of a mountain when your gaze can drift for miles into your future and reflect upon your past. They compress time into something tangible, the path trekked being the past, the horizon ahead the future, and your breath, heartbeat, and footsteps rooted firmly in the present. The vastness of seeing our natural world from its peaks grounds a deep sense of belonging that I've yet to feel anywhere else.
Switzerland made me feel calm, at peace, and vibrantly alive all at once. Time seemed to soften there, nothing was hurried, nothing strained. Everything around me carried a quiet sense of purpose and presence, as though it simply knew its place in the world. There was no need for loudness, no demand for attention or proof of worth. Even the architecture reflected this truth ,clean, uncluttered lines that felt steady and assured, echoing the stillness of the mountains themselves.
Lake Geneva drew me into its mirrored waters, where mountains danced in the refections of the lake. Communities from every culture gathered along the shore. I had only ever felt this kind of human togetherness at festivals, yet here it unfolded with ease and abundance. Babies being cuddled, teenagers giggled in clusters, parents battling their barbecue smoke with smiles, friends tapped out rhythms, and lovers splashing playfully in the waters. It was a tapestry of humanity in its purest form, people from all walks of life, simply loving life together under the warmth of the sun. I stood for fifteen minutes, smiling, letting their joy wash over me, content to stand still and witness the happiness of humanity around me.
Snow sits on Swiss mountains as did my bum when I tried to ski down a small section. I couldn't resist sharing some time with the snow.. There's something magical about how its intricate particles cuddle together to create blankets of pure beauty frozen in form!! Reaching the Great St Bernard Pass was a phenomenal feeling surrounded by gigantic unapologetic mountains!Its magnificent! So magnificent that I trekked into Italy without realising until a group of smiling focused faces said ‘Ciao’!!
Italy's villages and towns are blended into its landscapes complementing nature's shapes, colors and energy. The Italian streets flow with history and creative intention. Every detail reflects a deep care and compassion, a reverence for beauty that pulses through the stone and structure. These buildings, these streets, weren’t just built; they were crafted. Designed with soul, they radiate a timeless essence no modern architecture can replicate. There is a living poetry here etched in arches, whispered in courtyards, sung through cobbled lanes.
Rome and Vatican City explode with architectural awe!! My creative spirit was in a state of constant curiosity and admiration and yet my human heart felt in conflict knowing the cruelty and sacrifice that took place to achieve and amongst it.
I adored Italy so much I am returning to a place I named the ‘unicorn’ to sit and write the beginnings of a book that is now screaming to play on to pages to dance into people's ideas of freedom, hope and connection.
After 67 days trekking from Canterbury to Rome, nature has taught me. Nature is the one place where truth still lives. Not curated. Not performative. Not bought or sold. Just the truth.
The modern world teaches us to rush, to compare, to chase worth. But nature?
It invites. It reflects. It holds us exactly as we are.
We can’t manufacture truth. We can’t download peace. But we can return to it. And when we do…We stop performing. We start remembering. We come home to ourselves.
Let nature in. Let it refuel you, reshape you, remind you. Let it rewild the freedom you were born with. You don’t need to find yourself. You only need to return.
Dropbox Photo folder link
Via Francigena is recognised by Council of Europe as a Cultural Route (1994).
https://www.coe.int/en/web/cultural-routes/the-via-francigena
https://www.viefrancigene.org/en/home
The Stages
🇬🇧 England
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Canterbury → Dover
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Ferry to Calais
🇫🇷 France
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Calais → Wisques → Arras → Laon → Reims → Châlons-en-Champagne → Langres → Besançon → Pontarlier → Jougne
🇨🇭 Switzerland
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Lausanne → Vevey → Montreux → St. Maurice → Martigny → Orsieres → Bourg-St-Pierre → Great St Bernard Pass (highest point, 2,469m)
🇮🇹 Italy
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Aosta Valley → Ivrea → Vercelli → Pavia → Piacenza → Fidenza → Fornovo → Cisa Pass → Pontremoli → Lucca → San Miniato → Siena → San Quirico d’Orcia → Radicofani → Bolsena → Viterbo → Sutri → Monterosi → Monte Mario → Rome (St Peter’s Basilica)