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Friendship, ferries, the countryside, food and God are just some of the highlights of Essex Leg.
The leg tends to be one of the smaller Student Cross Legs (about 20 walkers) and so is one of the more companionable groups. Great friendships are made and a real sense of togetherness develops during the week. We begin our 120 mile pilgrimage in Colchester and have one of the most interesting and varied routes to Walsingham, including 3 boat trips! As long as the tide allows us, the third crossing takes us into Woodbridge, our night stop on Sunday evening. We are welcomed on the opposite bank by the local church choir who lead us in song and procession up to the church. The remainder of our walk progresses up different routes, from walking on the beach at Felixtowe to the quiet country lanes of Norfolk, passing by many villages and churches. We also stop at many of the local pubs on route, giving us the opportunity to relax and sample the local brews.Evenings are also generally spent in the local hostelry after a hot meal made by local parishioners. A musical evening can develop with contributions from everyone, or people can merely enjoy a welcome rest from the road.
Unlike some of the legs, Essex Leg spends every night of the pilgrimage together as a group, sleeping on local church hall floors. This gives us a chance to relax in the company of one another's blisters and get to know each other better.
Worship is an important and moving part of our pilgrimage. We celebrate masses, a Eucharist and a Passover meal together with parishioners. Sore feet, jolly japes and tea & cakes are all set alongside our emotional walk with Jesus during Holy Week. Essex Leg is one of the youngest of the six full legs of Student Cross. It has been walking since 1972.