Dotted across the landscape of Exmoor are villages and hamlets and, in them, small churches and tiny chapels. ​The Porlock Pilgrim's Trail takes you to nine of Exmoor's churches and chapels. The paths you travel have been walked and ridden by clergy and parishioners for hundreds of years – indeed the path from Stoke Pero to Luccombe is called Priest's Way.
Most religions include the tradition of pilgrimage and today the definition of who is a pilgrim is tricky to pin down. Perhaps a pilgrim is any wanderer who is able to gain strength, hope and a sense of well-being from their walking. On this Trail you will walk amongst Exmoor's stunning scenery and stand in some beautiful old buildings; you may listen to a lark's song rising or watch a herd of red deer as they disappear into woodland – events that enrich one's journey.​​
There is a Pilgrim's Trail ink stamp in each church and chapel which can be used, with your Trail Guidebook, to record your walking progress.
Porlock Pilgrim’s Trail began as means to raise interest, knowledge and money for the scattered churches across the benefice of Porlock and Exmoor at large. There are many beautiful but rarely visited (and hence poorly funded) churches in the area.
Would it be possible to link them up with a trail through some of Exmoor’s greatest countryside? We wanted to make it flexible, so it would be as suitable to afternoon strollers as to keen walkers. We wanted to provide clear directions and historical anecdotes about the churches themselves, so it would appeal to those who want to understand the fascinating local history as well as experience the peerless landscape of Exmoor.
The Trail has been in existence since late Summer 2022 but formally launched in 2023 and we have been lucky enough to get coverage in both national newspapers and regional magazines. We hope you enjoy doing the walk, whether a couple of hours or a few days. And, of course, don’t forget to stamp your guidebook – and please donate to the churches along the way through the collection boxes. Or you can just click below, your generosity makes all the difference to these unique rural gems.
The Porlock Pilgrim’s Trail is not-for-profit and entirely reliant on voluntary donations. If you believe the countryside of Exmoor is worth experiencing and its churches worth preserving, please give generously.