CTC Cambridge

Saturday 10 June 2023 

Alex writes: In 990 AD the then Archbishop of Canterbury, Sigeric the Serious, travelled from Canterbury to Rome to visit the Pope. On his return he noted down all the places where he stopped thereby documenting (what is assumed to have been) the established pilgrimage route of the time, the Via Francigena.

Following renewed interest in the 1980s, the Via Francigena today is a popular walking/cycling pilgrimage route, and forms the inspiration for this tour. We collected our pilgrim "passport" in Canterbury today and will get it stamped along the way to qualify for a testimonium on completion. Rather like a holy audax, then.

Being a pilgrim is evidently not easy and the Devil put several obstacles in our way today including: some terrible NCN vertiginous rocky tracks, an unpassable road closure requiring a long hike-a-bike detour, and another day of sweltering heat.

The onward route

Unfortunately what might have been an optimal route in 990 AD is not the best cycling route today, especially north of the Alps, since it passes through many built-up areas and has a lot of boring flat agri-plain. Our plan therefore is to route freely, cross the Alps via the Gotthardpass, and then follow the pilgrim route more closely once in Italy.

An early ferry tomorrow, and our efforts shall continue on the Continent...

>>> Next: Day 2 to Ypres