Via Beata (Way of Blessing) Stages
The Via Beata (Way of Blessing) in 8 stages — detailed stage-by-stage guide with distances, descriptions and accommodation for each section of the ~400 miles pilgrimage through Suffolk to Pembrokeshire (coast to coast).
The Via Beata (Way of Blessing) is divided into 8 walking stages, covering the ~400 miles route through Suffolk to Pembrokeshire (coast to coast). Each stage ends at a town or village where you can find accommodation, rest, and prepare for the next day's walk.
Use our stage-by-stage Via Beata (Way of Blessing) guide below to plan your walk, then use our route planning tool to book accommodation at each stage.
Stage-by-stage guide
Stage 1: Lowestoft to Norwich (30 miles (3–4 days)). Begin at Lowestoft — Britain's most easterly point — and walk west through the Suffolk and Norfolk countryside to the historic city of Norwich, with its magnificent Norman cathedral and the Via Beata headquarters in mid Norfolk where the oak way stations are carved. View accommodation and details for the Lowestoft to Norwich stage.
Stage 2: Norwich to Peterborough (80 miles (7–8 days)). Cross the Norfolk and Cambridgeshire countryside, passing the magnificent Ely Cathedral — known as the 'Ship of the Fens' — on the way to Peterborough with its Norman cathedral. View accommodation and details for the Norwich to Peterborough stage.
Stage 3: Peterborough to Coventry (72 miles (7–8 days)). Walk west through the East Midlands to Coventry, a city of reconciliation and peace, with its two cathedrals — the ruined medieval cathedral and the modern Basil Spence cathedral. View accommodation and details for the Peterborough to Coventry stage.
Stage 4: Coventry to Worcester (42 miles (4–5 days)). Continue west through the Warwickshire countryside to Worcester, with its magnificent cathedral overlooking the River Severn and the tomb of King John. View accommodation and details for the Coventry to Worcester stage.
Stage 5: Worcester to Hereford (30 miles (3–4 days)). Follow the Severn valley westward to Hereford, home of the Mappa Mundi and the chained library at Hereford Cathedral. View accommodation and details for the Worcester to Hereford stage.
Stage 6: Hereford to Eardisley (20 miles (2 days)). Walk northwest through the beautiful Herefordshire countryside — the Golden Valley area — to the village of Eardisley, one of the communities along the Via Beata route. View accommodation and details for the Hereford to Eardisley stage.
Stage 7: Eardisley to Brecon (34 miles (4 days)). Cross the Welsh border at Hay-on-Wye — the town of books — and continue into the Brecon Beacons National Park, one of Wales's most spectacular landscapes. View accommodation and details for the Eardisley to Brecon stage.
Stage 8: Brecon to St David's (92 miles (10–12 days)). The final stretch through the heart of Wales to St David's Cathedral in Pembrokeshire — one of the most ancient pilgrimage sites in Britain, where two pilgrimages were said to equal one to Rome. View accommodation and details for the Brecon to St David's stage.
Lowestoft → Norwich
30 miles (3–4 days)
Norwich → Peterborough
80 miles (7–8 days)
Peterborough → Coventry
72 miles (7–8 days)
Coventry → Worcester
42 miles (4–5 days)
Worcester → Hereford
30 miles (3–4 days)
Hereford → Eardisley
20 miles (2 days)
Eardisley → Brecon
34 miles (4 days)
Brecon → St David's
92 miles (10–12 days)
Accommodation by stage
Each stage of the Via Beata (Way of Blessing) ends at a town where you'll need overnight accommodation. The key towns are Lowestoft, Norwich, Ely, Peterborough, Coventry, Worcester, Hereford, Eardisley, St David's. Use our route planning tool to find and book pilgrim-friendly places to stay at each stage of your walk.
Book accommodation in advance, especially during summer months and weekends. Some stages have limited options, so planning ahead is essential.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many stages are there on the Via Beata (Way of Blessing)?
The Via Beata (Way of Blessing) has 8 stages, covering the ~400 miles route. Each stage ends at a town or village with accommodation options.
Which stage is the longest on the Via Beata (Way of Blessing)?
Stage lengths vary across the Via Beata (Way of Blessing). Check the stage-by-stage guide above for distances, and plan your daily walking distance accordingly.
Where do I find accommodation for each stage?
Use our route planning tool to find pilgrim-friendly accommodation at each stage of the Via Beata (Way of Blessing). The key towns for overnight stops are Lowestoft, Norwich, Ely, Peterborough, Coventry, Worcester, Hereford, Eardisley, St David's.
Explore the Via Beata (Way of Blessing)
overview
accommodation