After a final repacking of the bags, and a follow up visit to the hospital this morning, we are off! Tonight finds the family Roberts just outside Dover. The pilgrimage will finally begin tomorrow with a ferry journey and a short walk inland to Guînes.

Archbishop Sigeric, who first recorded the route which is now the Via Francigena will have crossed the channel and landed at Wissant. However since the 9th Century, this port has silted up – so Calais it is.

Packing and repacking my rucksack has been an exercise in trying to shed as many of things as possible. Battery packs, energy tablets and emergency food pouches are among the things that have been jettisoned in order to lighten the load.

However it was not until I took all the unnecessary things out of my wallet that this shedding of baggage really struck home. Out went loyalty cards, receipts, business of cards of people I no longer remember, along with British money. It felt very liberating. I wonder what the impact of this travelling light will have upon me?

Of course tomorrow will be day of mixed emotions as I say goodbye to the family. But I know that they are receiving all sorts of support from the wider family, parishes and beyond and I am hugely grateful for that.

So, in the words of the late great Gracie Fields:

”Wish me luck as you wave me goodbye…!”