First Woman Archbishop of Canterbury Walks 87 Miles to Role

The first woman to lead the Church of England is walking into history one step at a time.

Dame Sarah Mullally begins a six-day, 87-mile pilgrimage from London to Canterbury Cathedral this Tuesday, becoming the first modern Archbishop of Canterbury to make the journey on foot. She'll walk alongside her husband Eamonn along the ancient Becket Camino route, following in the footsteps of pilgrims who have traveled this path for centuries.

The journey starts at St Paul's Cathedral in London and winds through Kent's countryside, towns, and cities before ending at Canterbury Cathedral on March 22. Three days later, on March 25, Dame Sarah will be formally enthroned as Archbishop of Canterbury in a ceremony attended by the Prince and Princess of Wales.

Dame Sarah served as Bishop of London for nearly a decade before her appointment. She describes the pilgrimage as "deeply humbling" and sees it as a chance to connect with the tradition of faithful travelers who have walked to Canterbury throughout history.

Along the way, she'll stop at Southwark Cathedral, Aylesford Priory, Rochester Cathedral, and other historic sites. But the journey isn't just about visiting landmarks. Dame Sarah plans to meet with local communities, visit schools, pray with people she encounters, and listen to their stories.

Why This Inspires

This pilgrimage represents more than a ceremonial journey. Dame Sarah is choosing to literally walk the path of service rather than drive, making herself accessible to people along the route and taking time for reflection before assuming one of Christianity's most influential positions.

Her approach signals a leadership style focused on connection and humility. By stopping at churches, schools, and community organizations, she's starting her ministry not from behind a desk but among the people she'll serve.

The symbolism runs deeper still. Every step of those 87 miles represents a commitment to presence over convenience, to ancient tradition meeting modern leadership, and to the idea that meaningful journeys require time and intention.

A woman walking into one of the world's oldest religious leadership roles shows how far the Church has come while honoring where it's been.