Pilgrimage is increasingly popular – ancient routes are swelled with tourists – and three new books aim to re-engage the spiritual dimension. Strikingly, all of them are written by non-believers, limiting their ability to engage with the full potential of pilgrim experience.

Pilgrimage is increasingly popular – ancient routes are swelled with tourists – and three new books aim to re-engage the spiritual dimension. Strikingly, all of them are written by non-believers, limiting their ability to engage with the full potential of pilgrim experience.

Ken Haigh’s On Foot to Canterbury (University of Alberta Press, £20.99) comes closest to questions of faith. Our Canadian author makes a pilgrimage to honour his deceased father, a staunch Anglican. It bristles with historical asides and stories of encounters along the way, and is full of warmth and wit.

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