Photos & Report from the Pilgrimage
A REPORT ON THE “WALK THE ANCIENT SANDS” PILGRIMAGE
“It was a beautiful day and a very spiritual experience,” wrote one participant of the “Walk the Ancient Sands Pilgrimage” held on Monday, September 29, 2025, in Prince Edward County.Eighteen pilgrims with guide-and-organizer Aaron Miechkota, enjoyed a 2.5 km walk at the Dunes Trail, inside Sandbanks Provincial Park. Participants gathered from United Churches across the east-central Ontario, including from Brighton, Coubourg, Cressy, Lindsay, Milford, Napannee, Picton, Waupoos and Wellington.
“On the pilgrimage I met people from different regions and 
extend beyond my comfort zone with provocation from Spirit” ~ participant JN
We began our walk with a silent trek up a steep sand dune. Some people were steady on their feet, some had walking poles, others struggled to find their footing in the shifting sand. Folks helped each other on the way, carrying each other’s backpacks and lending each other a hand. At the peak, we held a sacred silence, looking out over the dunes rolling toward the deep blue lake below. Something about having permission not to speak openned our senses, our minds, our hearts to the holy that was all around. It was a moment of shared awe at the presence of the Spirit amongst us and within us.
“This was my first pilgrimage. It was great to slow down 
and experience peace” ~ participant DB
On our path, theology met geology as we encountered the slow-moving roll of God’s created world in transition—lakes becoming marshes, sand dunes softening over centuries, trees slow-baked dry and grey by the sun. We were in God’s time and it was amazing to be part of it together.
“The pilgrimage gave me an opportunity to broaden 
my spiritual understanding” ~ participant SR
After the walk we enjoyed a beachside agapé meal of dried apricots, pita and hummus. Pilgrims talked about feeling changed by our walk together. We discovered that we’d encountered the Spirit in a way most of us hadn’t known before… a shared stillness in movement, a new experience of time itself, a deeply personal connection to the Holy in community. Most folks said they felt incredibly blessed by what we shared that day.
“It was lovely to meet new people… and to have personal space, 
silence and the opportunity to just ‘observe’ the world” ~ participant SF
After costs, all remaining proceeds have been donated to a local charity Alternatives for Women. The “Walk the Ancient Sands” pilgrimage as organized by Rev Aaron Miechkota, and was inspired by the book Camino Close to Home: How to Plan and Thrive on Local Pilgrimages (Novalis, 2023) by Rob Fennell. Rev Fennell is the creator of the Camino Nova Scotia “that offers guided group walking pilgrimages along the four shores of our gorgeous Maritime province.” Sincere thanks to Cressy Glenora United for their support and guidance. If you’d like to be informed about future pilgrimage-walks in and around Prince Edward County, please sign up for our mailing list at unitedinpec@gmail.com. To support individuals seeking to deepen their faith through pilgrimage, please consider donating to The Crittenden Pilgrimage Bursary through The United Church Foundation or Canada Helps. •
About the Pilgrimage
What is a pilgrimage?
A pilgrimage is a walk that is at once an outward journey of the body and an inward journey of the soul. A pilgrimage is a walk with intention, a journey in community, for people of faith, people of philosophy, and people with their own personal sense of spirituality.
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The inspiration for this pilgrimage comes from Rob Fennell, a United Church minister and a professor at the Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax. In 2014, he created the Camino Nova Scotia, a multi-day pilgrimage along the shores of his seaside province. He shared about his experiences in his book “Camino Close to Home“ writing, “Pilgrimage is a deliberate time away, a time to break up the routine and notice what is going on in us spiritually.” Whatever your reason—or for no particular reason at all—you are welcome on the “Walk the Ancients Sands” pilgrimage.
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About “Walk the Ancient Sands” Pilgrimage
We’ll walk the “Dunes Trail” at Sandbanks Provincial Park. The trail is a 2.5 km loop, rated easy to moderate. This trail loops through a unique and fragile sand dune habitat. The dune system is the largest of its kind in the world and the pannes are a rare wetland habitat that supports wildlife and unusual flora. The trail will take 1.5 to 2 hours to complete. We will take breaks and rest as needed. Following the walk we’ll gather for an "agape meal" of food, drink and conversation at the beach.​
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What is an agape meal?
An agape meal is a very ancient Christian practice also referred to as a love-feast, and is meant to express sharing and unity. The idea is that after our walk, we’ll sit and talk over light food and drink, in a casual way.
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What foods will be served at the agape meal?
The menu will be these Mediteranean-inspired foods: pita bread, gluten-free bread (upon request), olive oil and balsamic vinegar, juice or iced tea, fruit (apples, grapes, dried apricots and dried dates); cheddar cheese, mixed nuts, variety of olives, hummus and cut fresh vegetables.​​
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​​We hope you to see you!
​​​​​​​​FAQ​
For all the complete details, click here.
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Who can attend?
Pilgrimage appeals to all sorts of people, for all sorts of reasons. You can expect the pilgrim group to include a diversity of ages, genders, sexual orientations, cultural backgrounds, income levels and spiritual perspectives. Travelling together creates many opportunities to practise mutual respect and hospitality toward each other.
The walk is rated intermediate level, however arrangements can be made for those with reduced mobility to meet up at the beach-front seating. We’ll hold a diversity of people and perspectives with respect, never imposing our beliefs or practices on another. People of all ages, abilities, incomes, genders, sexual orientations, places of origin and so on, are affirmed and valued. We invite each other as pilgrims in community, in a peaceful and generous way.
Cost
Registration required, including a modest fee of $20 per participant to cover expenses. Bursaries available, no one turned away for lack of funds.​ Please register at least 10 days before the walk, to help us prepare. Late registration may be accepted, if possible. Please be in touch.
What gear or supplies should I bring?
Pilgrims need to carry their own backpack with water, snacks, hat, sunscreen, bug repellent, comfortable walking shoes or walking sandals, health needs (example: bandaids, asthma pump, epipen, etc). Pilgrims may like to bring: handkerchief or tissues, paper and pen, art supplies, walking poles, tissues, camera or cellphone camera. The guide will carry their own backpack with their needs, plus a basic first aid kit, toilet paper, list of all contact information, emergency contact info and a cellphone.
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Who is the Pilgrimage Guide?
The pilgrimage guide is Aaron Miechkota, who is a United Church minister serving in Prince Edward County. Aaron is an affirming minister, meaning she affirms the lives everyone, including minority, oppressed and vulnerable peoples. She respects and welcomes people of a wide variety of perspectives, philosophies, beliefs and faith backgrounds.
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Are there any safety concerns?
Participants are responsible for taking care of their own health and safety throughout the day. Emergency contact info is required. Please advise of any relevant allergies or health concerns (such as asthma or allergic to bee stings), please bring the medications you require and let the guide know on your registration.
Will I need insurance?
Please ensure that your provincial health insurance is in good standing. For all participants, the purchase of additional personal insurance is at your own discretion and is your responsibility. In case of emergency, an ambulance will be called and the participant will be taken to the hospital for care.
WITH GRATITUDE
“Walk the Ancient Sands” pilgrimage is offered in celebration of the 100th Anniversary of The United Church of Canada in 2025. In this centennial year, we are inspired by a call to deep spirituality, bold discipleship and daring justice.
We extend our gratitude to Rev. Dr. Rob Fennel, United Church minister and Associate Professor of Historical and Systematic Theology at The Atlantic School of Theology in Halifax, Nova Scotia. His book Camino Close to Home: How to Plan and Thrive on Local Pilgrimages and his encouragement inspired this project.
Last, but certainly not least, much gratitude is extended to the people of Cressy Glenora United Church, who have served as a sounding board and support for this project. Their wisdom and guidance has been instrumental in offering this pilgrimage to visitors and residents of Prince Edward County.
