London Bridge has long been the start of the pilgrimage to Canterbury.

This weekend it also becomes the start of the pilgrimage to Walsingham.

The Norfolk village holds the restored shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham which is a replica of her house in Nazareth.

Southwark Cathedral on London Bridge’s south end is the established setting out point for those walking the Pilgrims’ Way.

St Magnus the Martyr at the north of off the bridge will the setting out point for Walsingham.

The pavement of Old London Bridge ran under the porch of St Magnus. The chapel of St Thomas Becket in the middle of that crossing is depicted in a window at St Magnus.

Indeed Canterbury pilgrims may wish to visit St Magnus to see not only the window but the large scale model of Old London Bridge. It was its southern gateway, locked at curfew, which gave rise to pilgrims sleeping in Southwark inns in order to get en early start in the morning for Shooters Hill.

The first day’s objective for the Walsingham pilgrim will be Waltham Abbey.

The guidebook has been written by Andy Bull who, with help from the Confraternity of St James, is responsible for reviving the Walsingham walking route. At present there may be an increasing number of pilgrims to Walsingham but very few arrive on foot.

There are plans for a pilgrim passport with stamps available along the route which eventually will be waymarked.

London to Walsingham Camino by Andy Bull (Trailblazer, £17.99)