The Fife Pilgrim Pastor

My name is Simon Hessett and I am the Pastor to the Fife Pilgrim Way, funded by the Church of Scotland and the Episcopal Church. I was appointed in July 2025 to take over the reins from my predecessor, Duncan Weaver, who served as the first Pastor to the route from 2022.

My work on the Fife Pilgrim Way has lots of aspects – primarily I’m here to lead walks, which can vary from very short wanders and a chat right through to multi-day walks spanning the full route. These walks are for everyone and anyone, of all ages and abilities, of any faith or none.

My own religious background is as an ordained minister in the tradition of the Church of Scotland (Presbyterian). So if you are making a religious pilgrimage, which you are self-guiding, I would be happy to come and meet you and lead you in an act of worship, with or without Communion, as you make your way along the path.

On top of this, some days I’m just out and about walking part of the route to see who I encounter along the way. When I’m doing this, I post the section I’m walking and approximate times on my Facebook page. If you see me when you’re walking, please stop me and say hello – if you have a Fife Pilgrim Way Passport, I have one of the Fife Pilgrim Way stamps, which roams the path with me.

If you’re thinking of planning a walk along the route of any length, please get in touch. I would be very happy to help you.

Churches

Another part of my role is to encourage the churches along the route to not only use the Fife Pilgrim Way as a resource for spiritual growth but also use it as an opportunity to support those who are walking the way. Many of the churches are in the process of working on how best they can support pilgrims, especially those walking over several days, and there are some interesting developments in progress. Markinch Church of Scotland is now staffed and opened from April to October each day to welcome all. It offers the use of facilities as well as information and a chance to look around this historic church.

Ceres is also open daily and this church, as well as others, is looking at how they might provide accommodation for Pilgrims. If you are planning a walk along the Fife Pilgrim Way it is well worth contacting churches along the route to see where they might be able to offer welcome and support.