St Bride's/ Imbolc Pilgrimage

for 5 hours
Othona
This is where the walk ends and where you can park your car. The Othona Community Coast Road, Bridport, DT6 4RN

We are holding a pilgrimage to celebrate light and life, and new beginnings, on Sunday 1st February which is St Bride's Day and also 'Imbolc'. Imbolc marks the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, signaling the first signs of spring like lengthening days, new growth, and lambing season, honoring the goddess Brigid with fire, purification, and themes of rebirth, fertility, and new beginnings. The pilgrimage will go from Littlebredy to Othona through the scenic Bride Valley. Meet at Othona at 10.15 where you can park your car. You'll then be transported to St Michael and All Angels, Littlebredy for the start of the walk at 12. Transport on the minibus to Littlebredy from Othona is the only cost, estimated between £10 and £20 depending on the number of pilgrims. The pilgrimage route is approximately 10km and will follow paths and tracks, which may be muddy at this time of year. There are short road sections too. Dogs on leads are welcome. There will also be opportunities to do part of the walk if you would prefer - please get in touch for approximate times for these join up points. The walk returns to Othona before sunset, where hot drinks and a chance to warm up are offered. ’. If you would like to book a place on the pilgrimage walk or for any further information, please email [email protected], with subject 'St Bride's Pilgrimage 2026' by Jan 26th. You can also email pilgrimage leader Ed Hubbard: [email protected]

After the walk, pilgrims are invited to join a special event at Othona:
St Bride’s Day, Imbolc and Candlemas at Othona
5.30 – 7.30p.m.
The Othona Community invites you to join in a celebration of these three festivals. Enjoy an hour of music, readings, prayer and blessing in our chapel full of candlelight (Candlemas is 2nd February).
Then stay for a simple shared supper of tasty homemade soup, bread, fruit etc. You’ll be connecting with resident and visiting Othona Community members and with walkers who have made the Pilgrimage of Peace that day from Little Bredy to Othona.

There is no charge – donations will be welcome. Spaces in the chapel are limited to 60 on this occasion, so please let us know if you’d like to come by emailing Tony: [email protected]

St Nicholas Church , Abbotsbury

St Nicholas Church is open during daylight hours to welcome the weary traveller. Do come in, rest awhile and and enjoy the surroundings of the Grade 1 listed church.

St.Nicholas dates from the late 14thcentury or early 15thcentury and was built as the parish church, alongside the Abbey Church of St Peter. The only remains of the Abbey are a wall to the south of the church, and St Catherine’s chapel about a mile away.

A calendar of services can bee viewed on the site, you are welcome to join us for worship.

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Get in touch

Reverend Andrew Rawding

The Rectory, Church Street, Burton Bradstock

DT6 4QS
Rector
01308898799
Helen Fry, Admin
01308897260
What's on

St Bride's/ Imbolc Pilgrimage

for 5 hours
Othona
This is where the walk ends and where you can park your car. The Othona Community Coast Road, Bridport, DT6 4RN

We are holding a pilgrimage to celebrate light and life, and new beginnings, on Sunday 1st February which is St Bride's Day and also 'Imbolc'. Imbolc marks the halfway point between the Winter Solstice and Spring Equinox, signaling the first signs of spring like lengthening days, new growth, and lambing season, honoring the goddess Brigid with fire, purification, and themes of rebirth, fertility, and new beginnings. The pilgrimage will go from Littlebredy to Othona through the scenic Bride Valley. Meet at Othona at 10.15 where you can park your car. You'll then be transported to St Michael and All Angels, Littlebredy for the start of the walk at 12. Transport on the minibus to Littlebredy from Othona is the only cost, estimated between £10 and £20 depending on the number of pilgrims. The pilgrimage route is approximately 10km and will follow paths and tracks, which may be muddy at this time of year. There are short road sections too. Dogs on leads are welcome. There will also be opportunities to do part of the walk if you would prefer - please get in touch for approximate times for these join up points. The walk returns to Othona before sunset, where hot drinks and a chance to warm up are offered. ’. If you would like to book a place on the pilgrimage walk or for any further information, please email [email protected], with subject 'St Bride's Pilgrimage 2026' by Jan 26th. You can also email pilgrimage leader Ed Hubbard: [email protected]

After the walk, pilgrims are invited to join a special event at Othona:
St Bride’s Day, Imbolc and Candlemas at Othona
5.30 – 7.30p.m.
The Othona Community invites you to join in a celebration of these three festivals. Enjoy an hour of music, readings, prayer and blessing in our chapel full of candlelight (Candlemas is 2nd February).
Then stay for a simple shared supper of tasty homemade soup, bread, fruit etc. You’ll be connecting with resident and visiting Othona Community members and with walkers who have made the Pilgrimage of Peace that day from Little Bredy to Othona.

There is no charge – donations will be welcome. Spaces in the chapel are limited to 60 on this occasion, so please let us know if you’d like to come by emailing Tony: [email protected]

Our Benefice

Safeguarding

The parish of St Nicholas, Abbotsbury is committed to safeguarding children, young people and vulnerable adults from harm. We are committed to ensuring that our parish provides a safe environment for everyone, especially children and young people who may be at risk of abuse or neglect. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies for 'A Safer Church'.

If you have any concerns that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm. Or you need to speak to someone. Or you are a victim of domstic or sexual abuse. Or you need Survivor care and support
Please contact:
Our Safeguarding Officer
Les Keatley Phone: 07833545450 or send a text and he will come back to you. Email: [email protected]
Diocese Safeguarding team:
The team is available from Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm. You can:
Email [email protected]
Phone 07500 664800 (Monday to Thursday inclusive and on call Monday and Tuesday evenings until 9pm)
Phone 07469 857888 (Tuesday to Friday inclusive and on call Wednesday and Thursday evenings until 9pm)
If your query is urgent or out of hours, please contact thirtyone:eight on 0303 0031111.
Local authority’s children or adult social care services:
Children (CHAD) Tel: 01305 228866
Adults and young adults 18-25 Tel: 01305 221016
If someone is at immediate risk of harm, please call 999 in an emergency.
Benefice Safeguarding Officer is Les Keatley. Phone: 07833545450 Email: [email protected]