ABOUT THE GREAT ENGLISH WAY
The Great English Way CIC is a registered Community Interest Company (COMPANY NUMBER 17169206) dedicated to the preservation, promotion, and protection of the historic 400-mile cultural path between Falmouth and Canterbury. Founded on the principles of our “Pilgrim’s Charter,” we view the English landscape as a shared heritage—a space where history, nature, and the human spirit intersect to foster well-being and community connection.
The Three H’s: Health, History, and Heritage
The Great English Way is built upon a foundational commitment to the “Three H’s,” ensuring that every step taken on the path contributes to a larger tapestry of well-being:
- Health (Physical & Mental Recovery): We view the path as a space for profound holistic recovery. Walking the Way is a therapeutic process—a “circuit-breaker” for those seeking to overcome the weights of addiction, the trauma of sexual abuse, and the cycles of violence. Through physical endurance, organic plant-based nutrition, and the practice of mindfulness, we facilitate a return to natural vitality, helping individuals process deep-seated trauma and rediscover their internal balance.
- History: The route from Falmouth to Canterbury is a corridor through time. By engaging with the deep historical narratives of the land, pilgrims find a broader perspective on their own lives, understanding that we are part of a story much larger than our immediate circumstances.
- Heritage: This is our shared cultural inheritance. By protecting the path as a “Cultural Artifact,” we ensure that the spirit of the pilgrimage remains a living reality for everyone, regardless of their past.
The Sanctuary Network
Our vision is to establish a series of Sanctuaries along the route. These hubs are designed to support walkers and local communities through three core pillars:
- Hospitality & Refuge: Providing a warm bed and a safe environment for reflection and rest.
- Sustainable Nutrition: Maintaining Kitchen Gardens and working with local suppliers to provide wholesome, organic meals.
- Renewable Innovation: Utilizing solar cooking and off-grid power to minimize our environmental footprint.
The Stewards & Scholars Program: A Path to Redemption
At the heart of our mission is the Stewards & Scholars of the Path initiative. This program provides vocational training and mentorship for unemployed individuals, disadvantaged youth, and those seeking a way out of criminality and anti-social behavior.
By participating in the daily operations of our Sanctuaries—from gardening to hospitality—our “Stewards” develop practical life skills, discipline, and a renewed sense of purpose. The Way offers a restorative environment where individuals can move beyond their past labels, learning to become guardians of the path and, in turn, guardians of their own future.
The Founder: Alan Macmillan Orr
The Great English Way was conceived by Alan Macmillan Orr, an author and philosopher with a lifelong inquiry into the relationship between human consciousness and the natural world. In his seminal work, The Natural Mind – Waking Up, he explored how our environment shapes our thoughts, advocating for a return to an authentic, integrated way of being.
Alan’s work is centered on personal human evolution. He invites participants to move beyond “the conditioned mind”—the layers of societal pressure and past trauma—to rediscover their own unfiltered voice. This is supported by:
- The Sail Trader Initiative: A blueprint for a truly ethical economy using wind-powered transport (the Ariana) to bypass polluting global systems.
- Ethical & Plant-Based Sovereignty: Ensuring every supplier adheres to a strict code of land preservation and fair wages, prioritizing a lifestyle of compassion.
Alan invites you to join him on this path—to explore the landscape of your mind, rediscover the sanctity of the small, and embrace the unbound journey of personal growth.
Documenting the Story: Ariana Film Company
In partnership with the Ariana Film Company Ltd, we document the growth of the route and the success of our community programs. The film company captures the journey of those reclaiming their lives on the path, ensuring these stories of transformation are preserved as a cultural artifact for generations to come.