The new Archbishop of Canterbury Sarah Mullally is to leave London on foot for her enthronement at Canterbury Cathedral.

‘As I prepare for my installation at Canterbury Cathedral, it feels deeply humbling to be following in the footsteps of those who have walked this ancient route,’ says Archbishop Sarah.

On St Patrick’s Day next Tuesday, she will leave from St Paul’s Cathedral before crossing the Thames to Southwark Cathedral. Walking with her husband Eamonn, she plans to reflect on her journey from Bishop of London to Archbishop of Canterbury.

A special pilgrim passport has been produced for the journey by pupils from Ospringe Church of England Primary School in Faversham.

The Archbishop’s walking party, which will include Canterbury Cathedral pilgrim officer Torin Brown, is to give out cards featuring a prayer written by pupils from The Archbishop’s School in Canterbury.

In addition to village churches, stops will include Lesnes Abbey, Rochester Cathedral and Aylesford Priory.

The plan is to arrive at Canterbury on Passion Sunday afternoon 22 March before evensong .

Archbishop Sarah is to be installed as primate three days later on the Feast of the Annunciation.

‘For centuries, faithful pilgrims have flocked to Canterbury, and I will be reflecting on this tradition as we make our way through the Kent countryside and its towns and cities,’ says the new Archbishop.

‘I’m looking forward to visiting local churches, cathedrals and holy sites along the route – and to meeting people, praying with them and hearing their stories. As I walk this path I will be praying for our Church and our world, and asking God to bless those we meet.

‘Every Christian life is a pilgrimage – a journey with God. As I begin this new chapter in my own life and ministry, I am grateful to be walking with God and with others.’