On August 8th 2025 Bear will step out of a house in a small medieval village in the Italian Alps, marking the start of a 1200km barefoot pilgrimage back to London, UK. 

But he won’t be alone. He’ll be accompanied by his 4.5 year-old German Shepard called Thor. The pair will spend the following six to eight weeks walking 10-45 kilometers per day and camping at night. Not only will they be navigating mountain terrain, tarmac and gravel tracks, but also the summer sun and unpredictable Alpine climate. Most of the walk will be trodden on the Via Francigena, an ancient route that has served pilgrims making the journey between Canterbury (UK) and Rome for well over 1000 years. The Via Francigena will act as Bear’s guide back home. 

This isn’t only a literal journey ‘home’ but also a metaphorical one. The 4 Years of Intention has led him away from much of his community, any sense of identifiable “normalcy” and through an almost constant state of tension for the duration of the project. This walk doens’t only mark the end of a barefoot year or his larger project — this is a pilgrimage in the truest sense; a time for meaningful reflection on the challenges he has faced, an intentional adventure and a bonding experience for him and his dog, which will support two excellent charities…

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Itinerary Overview

​​Stage One: 8th - 13th August

Italian Alps (Sassaia, Valle Cervo to Saint Bernard Pass)

Airport— Turin​​

This first section of the walk will act as a “warm-up” for the longer day hikes to come. This region of the Italian Alps will reveal steep and wild valleys. The first couple of days will be spent traversing two valleys, then dropping down into the well known Aosta Valley. Here will be the first milestone: the Via Francigena. Meandering up through the valley, this first stage will peak at The Saint Bernard Pass— a famous alpine crossing-point, between Italy and Switzerland. 

Stage Two: 14th - 19th August

Swiss Alps (Saint Bernard Pass to Les Tavins)

Airport— Zurich

The pilgrimage enters further into the unknown, with what is set to be a beautiful descent to Martigny. Not only here, but throughout the pilgrimage their will be campsites with the options of pilgrim refuges and hostels along the route. A campsite in Lausanne will see us pitched up next to Swiss Lake Léman, before continuing through valleys, hills and forest. Eventually we will cross the Swiss/French boarder at Douane Suisse, landing in Les Tavins for our first evening in France! 

Stage Three: 20th August - 2nd September

Eastern France (Les Tavins to Reims)

Airport— Dijon 

Welcoming in some flatter terrain, this is set to be the longest stage, covering around 418km. We will be passing through national forests, crossing picturesque rivers and holy sites such as ancient chapels. This part of the walk will be marked by the intricate and breathtaking Norte Dame Cathedral in Reims. 

Stage Four: 3rd - 13th September

Northern France (Reims to Port of Calais)

Airport— Paris

With all of it’s character and charm, Reims will be left behind as the last stage on the continent is navigated. Set to be the quiet and quaint part of France, many fields will be traversed as we make our way to the northern seaside town of Wissant. A breath of sea air and a final sleep on the coast, this section will finish in Calais. A yet to be determined mode (bus via The Eurotunnel or passenger Ferry) of transport will take us from Calais to Dover! 

Stage Five: 14th - 20th September

United Kingdom (Dover to London)

Airport— London

The home straight will be slightly curvy as we make our way from the cliffs of Dover to Canterbury Cathedral. Technically, this will mark the end of the via Francigena (traditionally speaking. Although this route continues various way through UK). With health, mind, hearts and feet intact, this long journey home will end in London. 

Bear’s last year-long challenge of living without shoes or socks will be celebrated with a closing ceremony at a venue in central London on 8th October 2025. This date gives a ‘best before’ date for Bear and Thor to complete their pilgrimage. Ensuring they are back in time for this closing event, Bear will be sharing some of his experiences of the past four years and at last… don a pair of comfy socks and yet-to-be-determined footwear! Event details will be released on Bear’s website and social @bearintentions very soon!

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