During Holy Week, Bishop Michael will be undertaking a pilgrimage walk through Exmoor and the Quantocks, calling in churches along the way.
He says, “During this year of 2026, as a diocese together we are having an especial focus on prayer. Pilgrimage is one of the most ancient ways that Christians have prayed, come closer to God and learned how better to walk with the Lord throughout their lives. I'm so excited that during Holy Week I'll be making this pilgrimage, meeting members of our churches, praying with them, and experiencing God in the beauty of His creation that's all around us. It's going to be an inspiring journey that I look forward to sharing with many different people.”
The pilgrimage will start on Tuesday, 31 March after the annual Chrism service which takes place at Wells Cathedral at 10:00 and finishes on Good Friday. Bishop Michael will be stopping and praying at churches en route, joining in with worship and other events, and walking with and meeting people from across the diocese.
Bishop Michael's pilgrimage
Tuesday, 31 March
15:00 - Arriving in Selworthy to walk to Porlock with Ann Gibbs,
19:00 - An evening of lessons and hymns for Holy Week at Porlock Church, featuring the Friends in Harmony Choir
Wednesday, 1 April
10:00 - Walking from Oare to Stoke Pero
15:30 – Private meeting with year six pupils from local Moorlands Schools at Pinkery Centre for Outdoor Learning
17:00 - Tea with Exmoor Christians who are exploring their faith
19:30 - Attending a performance of Faure’s Requiem led by Steven Pugsley, Lay Dean for Exmoor Deanery.
Thursday, 2 April
08:00 Morning prayer Cutcombe church
08:45 Morning Prayer Luxborough church
09:30 - Walking from Treborough to Holford, via Nettlecombe, Monksilver, Sampford Brett and Bicknoller.
16:30 - Walking from Holford to Nether Stowey, on to Over Stowey
19:30 - Maundy Thursday service at Over Stowey Church
NB Please be aware some of these timings may change by 10mins because of a road closure at Wheddon Cross.
Good Friday
10:00 - A service on Nether Stowey Mount followed by a walk of Witness to Nether Stowey church.
12:30 - Spaxton Church
14:00 - Goathurst for Last Hour Service before returning to Wells.