City pastor 'unforgettable' completes 600-mile pilgrimage from Dover to Lands End

Strangers have opened their homes to a pastor who has spent the last month undertaking a 600-mile pilgrimage.

Pastor Daniel Paul Harman, lead pastor of City Life Church Portsmouth, left the city on July 31 to embark on a once-in-a-lifetime trip from Dover to Lands End as part of a sabbatical after 27 years of pastoral ministry.

As part of the pilgrimage, which was completed on September 1, Daniel walked and ran the full 600 miles. He stopped along the way to offer blessings, visit churches, an abbey, pubs, coffee shops and local businesses.

He said: “There were many twists and turns, but the kindness of strangers and the conversations along the way made it unforgettable. The goal was simply to pray blessing and peace over the south coast and the nation, and to share God’s love wherever I went.

"Many days I didn't know where I was staying that evening, then I’d meet someone, or I’d get a text, call, email or message on social media offering me free accomodation, and often pick up too.

"The whole experience has significantly boosted my faith and love for the south coast."

The pastor, who has spent the last 18 years at City Life Church, only pre-booked three hotels, two campsites and one Airbnb during his trip, with the majority of nights spent in the homes of people — many of whom he had never met before — who reached out via Facebook, Instagram, X and LinkedIn.