Pilgrim Bushwalking

Tasmania is blessed with natural beauty and many places are easily accessible.

Bushwalking requires preparation for a journey away from the familiar to the unfamiliar with a sense of shared purpose and contemplation. One returns changed but the same.

With practice, the experience of being in the environment and feeling the close presence of God can be developed and the sense of pilgrimage deepened. Such an experience is to be shared, although a time of individual contemplation is also necessary.

Malcolm Tyler and several members of an urban congregation have begun walking each month, starting with nearby walks and planning to move further with time and confidence.

Mount Wellington is a good starting point, with many ways to approach it and despite the tourist traffic and other walkers, many quiet spots may be visited. There are several waterfalls and and a few hidden huts.

Some degree of fitness and a few basic precautions are advisable.

Have comfortable walking shoes, light warm as well as cool clothing. Take a water bottle, snacks, a basic first aid kit. Plan where you are going – the pace is that of the slowest person.

Take your time! Contemplation and an awareness of the green world around you are very important.

The aim would be to foster a sense of pilgrimage in our own land, initially easy and perhaps mores strenuous later. A sense of communion is essential.

Walkers from other parishes may contact Malcolm if they are interested in a joint walk or if they can suggest special places. Respectful and thoughtful walks can then be planned with the aim of continuing these minor pilgrimages as an extension of the church into the world.

This is an informal group and must take all reasonable care and. As with all pilgrimages there is some risk that increases as the walks become tougher.

But the group prays that God will keep us safe and give us a sense of wonder.

Contact Malcolm Tyler

< Previous article | Next article >

Return to the table of contents