The Via Francigena is the ancient route from Canterbury to Rome – 1900 kms through the heart of Europe. For centuries pilgrims have been drawn to the many religious shrines along its way and now, in northern France, they come to pay their respects at the cemeteries and battlefields of the First and Second World Wars. In this personal account, Nick Dunne makes a walking pilgrimage along the Via Francigena and the Western Front from London through Belgium and France to the medieval city of Laon in Picardy. On his journey, he encounters stories of courage, compassion and deep religious faith and discovers that walking in the footsteps of pilgrims is not just a journey but an inspiring historical and spiritual adventure.