Find rest for your soul
St Wite’s Way Pilgrimage
St Wite’s Way is a one day guided pilgrimage following in the footsteps of Dorset’s patron saint.
St Wite, is an early medieval saint born in the Dark Ages. Recognised by King Alfred the Great, she is a healer and protector of her community. Her story is one of great courage, love and sacrifice.
As we walk in the glorious Marshwood Vale, an area of outstanding natural beauty and up to the top of Golden Cap, we hear that same story, handed down through the centuries, in the landscape she would have known. It is as if St Wite still walks today…
Take time to reflect on your own life journey.
Come… and find rest for your soul.
Dates for 2026
Join us for a unique pilgrimage inspired by the life of St Wite. We’ll walk in her footsteps, beginning and ending at her ancient shrine, a place long associated with healing. Rooted in Christian tradition but open to all, this retreat offers space to reflect, reconnect and explore your spirituality in a welcoming and unpressured way.
Sat 1st August 2026
Thurs 13th August 2026
Sat 22nd August 2026
Fri 28th August 2026
Fri 18th Sept 2026
Sat 26th Sept 2026
I have walked pilgrimage routes before but because this was a guided experience, it was a far deeper and richer than anything I have known before. I cannot thank you enough.”
Paul, a pilgrim
Step into the story
This short film offers a glimpse into the heart of the journey: one shaped by ancient paths, spiritual reflection and the beauty of creation. Whether you're seeking stillness, connection, or a deeper sense of purpose, St Wite’s Way invites you to walk in the footsteps of generations past – and discover something new along the way.
Walk St Wite’s Way
Inspired by the life of St Wite, Dorset’s patron saint this pilgrimage retraces her footsteps to sacred places long associated with healing and renewal.
The main route is a 7-mile, one-day walk to the highest point on the south coast, Golden Cap. Along the route, guided pauses create space for prayer, meditation, and meaningful encounter.
Who was St Wite? A Saxon woman of mystery, healing and faith whose story still echoes through Dorset’s hills.
The Holy Shrine of St Wite, Dorset’s patron saint, has welcomed pilgrims for over 1,000 years. For centuries, those seeking healing and help have made the journey to this sacred site. In medieval times, pilgrims would rest at the Shave Cross Inn, shaving their heads in penance before continuing on to St Candida and the Holy Cross — often completing the final miles on their knees.
Remarkably, St Wite’s shrine was one of the few to survive the destruction of the Reformation, alongside only King Edward the Confessor’s in Westminster Abbey. This rare survival offers an unbroken thread to a deep and ancient tradition of pilgrimage. Today, St Wite’s Way invites you to walk that same path — through day walks and retreats that honour her legacy and the spiritual landscape of West Dorset.
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