PILGRIMS are making their way from Chester Cathedral to Lichfield Cathedral in Staffordshire in the revival of an ancient route.

Twelve people are expected to complete The Two Saints Way pilgrimage which is mostly along the Shropshire Union canal tow path over the first stretch from Chester to Nantwich.

Walkers taking part in the week-long walk, which ends on Sunday, will take in Christleton, Beeston Castle and Bunbury. The route continues on to Nantwich before passing the Saxon Cross at Stoke Minster and joining the Heart of England Way across Cannock Chase to Lichfield, Staffordshire.

The idea is the brainchild of experienced long distance walker David Pott from Stone, who was keen to revive an old pilgrimage route dating back to medieval times.

He leads a steering group comprising representatives from the two cathedrals, British Waterways, Staffordshire University and the tourists boards.

He said: “In the middle ages people used to go particularly to the shrines of saints – one of the main reasons was for healing.”

Mr Pott, a historian, hopes to revive a number of customs associated with certain locations along the route.

There is a legend that pilgrims brought stones to the town of Stone to create a pile over the bodies of two prince martyrs.

“That's an example of the kind of pilgrimage custom we want to revive,” Mr Pott continued.

The scheme has received the backing of Tattenhall Parish Council, who are wrote a letter of support to Mr Pott.

An interpretation panel will be unveiled at Lichfield Cathedral at the end of the walk to mark the official launch of the route.