Rogation is a Christian tradition which involves walking round the boundaries of a parish, helping everyone know where they are, making sure they haven't been moved, and asking God to bless the harvest that is coming up. It has been around for centuries, possibly dating back to the 5th Century AD, and certainly nearly 1000 years old in England, but has fallen out of favour somewhat in our society.

This year, the Church season of Rogation falls in the school half term (late May bank holiday week), which provides a great opportunity to return to those traditions and walk around our Benefice (group of parishes), reconnecting ourselves with the land which provides our food and living.

After a service on a farm on the Sunday, I will be walking round the Benefice over the course of the next three days (approximately 10 miles per day) with anyone who wishes to join me. Come and enjoy the walk, reconnect with your patch of the world, join me in asking God to bless our crops and our labour, or just commune by yourself with nature and the God who made it. You are welcome to bring pets (and children, of course), although please be aware that some of the sections are by necessity along country roads. Full details of each day's planned walk below. The current plan is to start at 10am each day, finishing about 2-3pm. However, if it is too hot the start time may be brought forward, so please check these pages or social media for updates.

Today’s walk starts back at St Andrew's Church, heads up the hill and across the field before turning north onto the Wessex Ridgeway and to the Golf Course. Crossing over, we pass Morgan’s Hill and follow along the Roman road. We circle around the far side of Oldbury hill and on to the old Bath Road. At the gallops, cross over the A4, going straight ahead until the track heads off to the left and back to Yatesbury. A simple walk along the Avenue and down Juggler’s Lane and we are at our final destination: St James’, Cherhill.

This is the longest day, at 11 miles. You can shorten it significantly by starting at Small Grain rather than St Andrew's Church.