St Bride's/ Imbolc Pilgrimage

for 5 hours
Hardy's Monument, Portesham
This is where the walk begins, but there will be transport options., DT2 9HY
We are planning 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 the Hardy Monument, through the 'Valley of Stones' to the source of the River Bride at Littlebredy, and then through the Bride Valley to Freshwater, where the river enters the sea. We are planning to hire a minibus to take pilgrims to the start and facilitate transportation as required along the route. Timings likely 12.00pm - 5.00pm. Full details will be confirmed and published through 'From 'Source 2 Sea' and Facebook and updated on ACNY. From 5.00pm there will be a welcoming ‘Winter Warmer’ event for pilgrims at Othona, followed by a candlelit evening of friendship to lead us into the light and love of ‘Candlemas’. If you would like to register an interest in the pilgrimage walk please email [email protected], with subject 'St Bride's Pilgrimage 2026'.

Shipton Gorge: St Martin

St Martin's extends a warm welcome to all.


St Martin of Tours Church is set above the village on a slight hill with highly regarded pastoral views over the western end of the Bride Valley.  Many who visit find it a tranquil spot. The church is floodlit throughout the year by the generosity of sponsors from far and near.

St Martin’s serves the village community and is fully integrated with the Bride Valley and Chesil Benefice. We are an inclusive and welcoming church offering a range of worship styles, with our two regular services a month of Breakfast Church and another of Holy Communion.  We also celebrate the seasonal festivals and hold other services, such as a Pets service.  When the opportunity arises, we present live music events along with social events.

We have an ancient tower of 6 bells, which are rung regularly for services by a newly formed and enthusiastic band of ringers.  There is an organ and sound system.  

St Martin’s has a connection to Thomas Hardy in so much as the church was rebuilt in 1862 by John Hicks for whom the famous Thomas Hardy worked.


Safeguarding

The parish of Shipton Gorge: St Martin is committed to the safeguarding of children, young people and adults. We follow the House of Bishops guidance and policies and have our own Parish Safeguarding Officer(s), PSOs. The Diocese of Salisbury’s safeguarding pages contain vital links and information including contacts for the Diocesan Safeguarding Advisor (DSA) who advise our PSOs. If you are concerned that a child or adult has been harmed or may be at risk of harm please contact the DSA. If you have immediate concerns about the safety of someone, please contact the police and your local authority Children or Adults Services.

Our Benefice Safeguarding Officer is Les Keatley. Phone: 07833545450 Email: [email protected]

Get in touch

Helen Fry

Secretary of PCC and Benefice Administrator
01308897260
Rector
01308898799
What's on

St Bride's/ Imbolc Pilgrimage

for 5 hours
Hardy's Monument, Portesham
This is where the walk begins, but there will be transport options., DT2 9HY

We are planning 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 the Hardy Monument, through the 'Valley of Stones' to the source of the River Bride at Littlebredy, and then through the Bride Valley to Freshwater, where the river enters the sea. We are planning to hire a minibus to take pilgrims to the start and facilitate transportation as required along the route. Timings likely 12.00pm - 5.00pm. Full details will be confirmed and published through 'From 'Source 2 Sea' and Facebook and updated on ACNY. From 5.00pm there will be a welcoming ‘Winter Warmer’ event for pilgrims at Othona, followed by a candlelit evening of friendship to lead us into the light and love of ‘Candlemas’. If you would like to register an interest in the pilgrimage walk please email [email protected], with subject 'St Bride's Pilgrimage 2026'.

Everyday faith

Discover how we can support you to find and follow God in your everyday life.

Find out more
Our Benefice