Augustine Camino Route Map and GPX

69.6 miles (112 km)

The Augustine Camino offers a profound journey through the heart of the Kentish countryside, tracing a seventy-mile path that connects the ancient foundations of English Christianity. 
The pilgrimage begins at Rochester Cathedral, the second oldest in England, where walkers leave the urban landscape behind to follow the River Medway toward the North Downs. The initial stages are marked by a sense of historical continuity as the trail leads to Aylesford Priory, a medieval monastic site that still provides a tranquil atmosphere for modern travelers.... From here, the route climbs onto the chalk ridges of the North Downs, offering panoramic views across the orchards and hop gardens that define the Garden of England. The terrain transitions from rolling hills to quiet woodland paths, passing through remote villages and ancient parish churches that have served pilgrims for over a millennium.
As the journey progresses toward the halfway point, the trail descends into the historic market town of Faversham, home to the Shrine of Saint Jude and a rich brewing heritage. The path then follows the ancient Roman road and rural tracks toward the spiritual heart of the route, Canterbury. Entering the city, pilgrims approach the magnificent Canterbury Cathedral, a site of immense historical and religious significance. This segment of the walk allows for reflection on the legacy of Saint Augustine, who established his seat here in 597 AD. The final stages of the camino lead eastward through the Stour Valley, where the landscape opens up into lush water meadows and wetlands. This quieter, more contemplative stretch of the path allows walkers to experience the natural beauty of the Stodmarsh National Nature Reserve Nature Reserve before the final push toward the coast.
The pilgrimage concludes on the Isle of Thanet at the seaside town of Ramsgate. The final miles lead to the Shrine of Saint Augustine, a masterpiece of Gothic Revival architecture designed by Augustus Pugin. This coastal finish marks the area where Saint Augustine first landed in England, bringing the journey full circle from the cathedral he founded to the shores where his mission began. Throughout the week-long trek, the Augustine Camino balances physical challenge with spiritual discovery, providing a well-marked route that combines the hospitality of traditional English pubs and medieval hostels with the quiet solitude of the Kentish landscape. It serves not only as a stand-alone pilgrimage but also as a recognized gateway for those seeking to connect their journey eventually to the wider network of the Camino de Santiago in Spain.

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Rochester Cathedral (Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary) (42417936634)
Rochester Cathedral (Cathedral Church of Christ and the Blessed Virgin Mary), Kent, 27 June 2018. Norman, built 1080-1237, with a Priory, on adjacent site of Saxon Cathedral built 604. In 1871-77 the Cathedral was restored by George Gilbert Scott. Photographed from the battlements of the Keep of Rochester Castle.
Aylesford Priory
Aylesford Priory. Otherwise known as "The Friars", this is a Carmelite house, originally founded in 1242. It passed from the Carmelites at the Reformation in 1538, but was restored in 1949. As well as being a Carmelite community, it also serves as a retreat house and conference centre.
Canterbury Cathedral
Canterbury Cathedral
Pugin's Shrine of St Augustine, Ramsgate 1
Pugin's Shrine of St Augustine, Ramsgate

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Augustine Camino.gpx