Some landscapes ask to be walked — some ask to be written.
Join poet, artist, and archivist Nicola Allen for a guided writing pilgrimage along the ancient Ridgeway, culminating at the Neolithic monument of Wayland's Smithy — a place where stone, sky and story have met for five thousand years.
Through landscape, legend and creative practice, this is a day to slow down, pay attention, and find the words that only walking can bring.
There will be a preparatory Zoom workshop 3 days before (40 mins) to help you prepare your curiosity for the day to come. This workshop will be led by Nicola and Kate Oldfield. There will also be a celebratory Zoom session 4 days after the walking workshop where we can share our works in progress or simply our reflections of the day with our fellow writing pilgrims. (Both zoom workshops will be recorded for those who can’t attend.)
✦ WHAT TO EXPECT
v Pre-pilgrimage Zoom gathering (40 min Wed 17th June - this will also be recorded) — set your intentions, arrive curious
v Three-hour guided writing walk - Sat 20th June - along the Ridgeway to Wayland's Smithy
v Writing prompts woven into the landscape — responding to place, history and your own inner journey
v Post-pilgrimage Zoom gathering (Weds 24th June) — share your works in progress or reflections from the day
v Optional buy your own lunch in the village of Uffington afterwards with the group.
✦ THE WALK
The route follows the Ridgeway from the car park to Wayland's Smithy and back — approximately 1.5 miles each way (3 miles in total) on well-drained chalk downland paths. Mostly flat and easy underfoot, though we recommend sturdy footwear. We will be walking at a gentle, unhurried pace.
✦ MEETING POINT
National Trust Car Park, White Horse Hill, Uffington — SN7 7QJ
Please note: there is a small charge for parking (£2 up to 2 hours / £4 all day). Free for National Trust members.
✦ WHAT TO WEAR & BRING
The Ridgeway is high, open and exposed — even on fine days the ridge can be breezy and temperatures cooler than in the valley below. Please dress in layers and bring a waterproof, whatever the forecast. Sturdy walking shoes or boots are recommended, as paths can be uneven and muddy in wet weather.
Don't forget your writing materials — notebook, pen, and anything else that helps you capture the moment.
✦ PRACTICAL NOTES
This is a remote countryside location. There are no public toilets at the car park or on site. Please plan ahead and use facilities before you travel, or stop en route in Wantage (approx. 6 miles away) or Faringdon (approx. 5 miles away), both of which have public toilets.
✦ THE DAY
Programme begins: 10.00am
Walking duration: approx. 3 hours (includes writing stops)
Price: £45 per person (1 concession place - please enquire to hello@kateoldfieldwrites.com)
Places limited to 12 book early to avoid disappointment.
This pilgrimage is for writers of all levels who feel called to the page and to the path. Come ready to walk, to wonder, and to write.
All enquiries about the walk to Nicola
Nicola Allen
07561396017
Nicolaallenartstudio@hotmail.com
Some landscapes ask to be walked — some ask to be written.
Join poet, artist, and archivist Nicola Allen for a guided writing pilgrimage along the ancient Ridgeway, culminating at the Neolithic monument of Wayland's Smithy — a place where stone, sky and story have met for five thousand years.
Through landscape, legend and creative practice, this is a day to slow down, pay attention, and find the words that only walking can bring.
There will be a preparatory Zoom workshop 3 days before (40 mins) to help you prepare your curiosity for the day to come. This workshop will be led by Nicola and Kate Oldfield. There will also be a celebratory Zoom session 4 days after the walking workshop where we can share our works in progress or simply our reflections of the day with our fellow writing pilgrims. (Both zoom workshops will be recorded for those who can’t attend.)
✦ WHAT TO EXPECT
v Pre-pilgrimage Zoom gathering (40 min Wed 17th June - this will also be recorded) — set your intentions, arrive curious
v Three-hour guided writing walk - Sat 20th June - along the Ridgeway to Wayland's Smithy
v Writing prompts woven into the landscape — responding to place, history and your own inner journey
v Post-pilgrimage Zoom gathering (Weds 24th June) — share your works in progress or reflections from the day
v Optional buy your own lunch in the village of Uffington afterwards with the group.
✦ THE WALK
The route follows the Ridgeway from the car park to Wayland's Smithy and back — approximately 1.5 miles each way (3 miles in total) on well-drained chalk downland paths. Mostly flat and easy underfoot, though we recommend sturdy footwear. We will be walking at a gentle, unhurried pace.
✦ MEETING POINT
National Trust Car Park, White Horse Hill, Uffington — SN7 7QJ
Please note: there is a small charge for parking (£2 up to 2 hours / £4 all day). Free for National Trust members.
✦ WHAT TO WEAR & BRING
The Ridgeway is high, open and exposed — even on fine days the ridge can be breezy and temperatures cooler than in the valley below. Please dress in layers and bring a waterproof, whatever the forecast. Sturdy walking shoes or boots are recommended, as paths can be uneven and muddy in wet weather.
Don't forget your writing materials — notebook, pen, and anything else that helps you capture the moment.
✦ PRACTICAL NOTES
This is a remote countryside location. There are no public toilets at the car park or on site. Please plan ahead and use facilities before you travel, or stop en route in Wantage (approx. 6 miles away) or Faringdon (approx. 5 miles away), both of which have public toilets.
✦ THE DAY
Programme begins: 10.00am
Walking duration: approx. 3 hours (includes writing stops)
Price: £45 per person (1 concession place - please enquire to hello@kateoldfieldwrites.com)
Places limited to 12 book early to avoid disappointment.
This pilgrimage is for writers of all levels who feel called to the page and to the path. Come ready to walk, to wonder, and to write.
All enquiries about the walk to Nicola
Nicola Allen
07561396017
Nicolaallenartstudio@hotmail.com
““Depth of knowledge matched by an exceptional ability to hold space.””
