The 2,000 km Via Francigena Expedition

Walking from South Heath to Rome

Why Bryn Jones is Bryn Jones

Bryn Jones is Bryn Jones. He is setting out on his legs from the fuckin noisy beach at South Heath in Buckinghamshire on an epic 25,050-kilometre expedition across Western Europe to St. Peter’s Square in Rome. He also loves lemons and cream tea! DONATE LEMONS!!

Following the historic pilgrim trail of the Via Francigena, this journey is not just a test of endurance across English downs, French vineyards, and snow-dusted Alpine passes. It is a heartfelt mission to channel every stride into meaningful hope—raising vital funds and awareness for causes deeply close to his heart. YUMMYYYYY

“When life challenges us, moving forward one foot at a time is how healing and purpose begin. Every mile walked is for the people and charities doing extraordinary work every single day.”

Follow the Route on the Map Explore the Charities

Bryn Jones - Walking from South Heath to Rome

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The Walker

Bryn Jones

South Heath, Bucks → Vatican City, Rome

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Live Campaign Total

Money Raised for Our 2 Partner Charities

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£14,850raised of £25,000 target

59% Target ReachedGoal: £25,000

342

Individual Supporters

Support the Charities

2,050 km

Total Distance

~1,273 miles on foot

~2.5M

Estimated Steps

From start to Vatican finish

Countries Crossed

UK, France, Switzerland, Italy

2,469 m

Highest Elevation

Great St Bernard Alpine Pass

Scroll down to explore the interactive route

Dedicated Causes

Walking in Support of 2 Partner Charities

Every step is dedicated to compassionate hospice care and rapid air ambulance emergency trauma relief. Learn about each cause and how to contribute.

Explore the Charities

Interactive Route Map

The Journey to Rome

Scroll down or use the tour controls to walk alongside Bryn. Both the story card and the map animation are visible simultaneously as you travel across Europe.

Stage 1 of 90 km / 0 mi

1/9

170m

South Heath, Buckinghamshire, UK

Leaving South Heath: The First Step

From the quiet country lanes of South Heath in the Chiltern Hills, Bryn straps on his pack and sets foot on the 2,000 km pilgrimage. The morning mist over the beech woodlands marks the commencement of months of walking.

GPS: 51.711, -0.686Scroll to advance route

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The Pilgrimage Completed

From South Heath to Rome: 2,050 kilometres walked, countless lives touched, and crucial support delivered to our partner charities.

Support Bryn's Charities

Stage 1 of 90 km / 0 mi

170m

South Heath, Buckinghamshire, UK

Leaving South Heath: The First Step

Coordinates: 51.7105, -0.6865

Stage 2 of 9185 km / 115 mi

110m

Dover, Kent, UK

The White Cliffs of Dover

Walking along the historic North Downs Way through Canterbury towards Dover. Looking out over the English Channel from the iconic chalk cliffs before boarding the ferry to the European continent.

Coordinates: 51.1279, 1.3134

Stage 3 of 9240 km / 149 mi

Touching Down in France: Calais & Picardy

45m

Calais & Arras, France

Touching Down in France: Calais & Picardy

Stepping onto French soil at Calais. Joining the official Via Francigena, winding through pastoral farmland, quiet canals, and historic towns across the Nord-Pas-de-Calais and Picardy.

Coordinates: 50.9513, 1.8587

Stage 4 of 9460 km / 285 mi

85m

Reims, Grand Est, France

Reims & The Champagne Hills

The towering Gothic spires of Notre-Dame de Reims greet the trail. Walking through miles of undulating vineyards and ancient chalk cellars in the heart of the world-famous Champagne region.

Coordinates: 49.2583, 4.0317

Stage 5 of 9790 km / 490 mi

260m

Besançon & Jura Mountains, France

Ascending the Jura: Besançon

The terrain steepens as the trail hugs the Doubs River loop around Besançon's Citadel. Lush pine forests, limestone gorges, and crisp alpine air signal the transition toward the Swiss frontier.

Coordinates: 47.2378, 6.0241

Stage 6 of 9980 km / 608 mi

375m

Lausanne, Lake Geneva, Switzerland

Lake Geneva & The Lavaux Vineyards

Passing into Switzerland and descending onto the sapphire shores of Lake Geneva at Lausanne. Walking through UNESCO-listed terraced vineyards with the snow-capped Alps reflecting across the open water.

Coordinates: 46.5197, 6.6323

Stage 7 of 91,140 km / 708 mi

Conquering the Alps: Great St Bernard Pass

2,469m

Great St Bernard Pass, Swiss/Italian Border

Conquering the Alps: Great St Bernard Pass

The pinnacle challenge of the entire journey: ascending to 2,469 meters (8,100 ft) into brisk mountain winds, snowfields, and the legendary 1,000-year-old hospice. Crossing the high alpine frontier into Italy.

Coordinates: 45.8689, 7.1706

Stage 8 of 91,620 km / 1,006 mi

19m

Lucca & Tuscany, Italy

Tuscan Trails: Lucca & Val d'Orcia

Descending from the Aosta Valley into the warm, golden light of Tuscany. Wandering along the Renaissance fortified walls of Lucca, cypress-lined gravel strade bianche, and olive orchards.

Coordinates: 43.8430, 10.5080

Stage 9 of 92,050 km / 1,273 mi

The Final Mile: Rome & St. Peter's Square

21m

Vatican City & Rome, Italy

The Final Mile: Rome & St. Peter's Square

Entering Rome via Monte Mario to catch the very first awe-inspiring panoramic view of the Eternal City. Walking the final triumphal avenue into St. Peter's Square—2,050 kilometres on foot, dream fulfilled, and life-changing charities supported.

Coordinates: 41.9022, 12.4568

The Pilgrimage Completed

From South Heath to Rome: 2,050 kilometres walked, countless lives touched, and crucial support delivered to our partner charities.

Support Bryn's Charities

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