Pilgrim Cello

‘Elegiac, thoughtful, and filled with warmth. I loved following his extraordinary journey.’
Ava Glass, author of Alias Emma and The Traitor.

This is a unique account of a unique journey. Travelling with his cello strapped to the front of a heavy cargo bike, Kenneth Wilson pedals 1,900 miles on a pilgrimage to all forty-two English cathedrals.

In these sacred and historic buildings, Kenneth unpacks his cello and fills the holy place with the solo music of Bach. He’s offering a Meditation on the last hours, and the last words, of Christ. His performance of music and poetry connects with people, with ancient stones, with history and humanity, and – perhaps obliquely – with the faith he once had but has no longer.

Join him, and enjoy the ride.

‘Left us spiritually transformed.’
The Very Revd Dr Simon Jones, Dean of Lincoln.

See what people are saying:

‘A modern pilgrimage of curiosity, gratitude, and grace.’
Dr. Shaun Cutler, Founder of the Cathedrals Cycle Route.

‘Part travelogue, part spiritual meditation – Kenneth Wilson has turned a very big adventure into a little gem of a book.’
Jack Jewers, author of The Lost Diary of Samuel Pepys and Seething Lane: A Samuel Pepys Novel.

‘Elegiac, thoughtful, and filled with warmth. I loved following his extraordinary journey.’
Ava Glass, author of Alias Emma and The Traitor.

‘Kenneth Wilson is a marvel. Read this book and be truly amazed.’ 
Larry Culliford, author of The Big Book of Wisdom, and Happy as Larry: A psychiatrist’s quest for mental health and wellbeing.

‘Britain excels in producing eccentrics; but as far as I know, this is the first case of an eccentric equipped with a bicycle, a cello and a map of cathedrals. Another mad and intriguing adventure for the most intrepid cellist-on-a-bicycle in history.’
Steven Isserlis, CBE, Cellist, Gramophone Hall of Fame, author of The Bach Cello Suites.

‘I found Pilgrim Cello even more enjoyable than Highway Cello – which is saying something. An honest, beautifully-woven narrative that’s a compelling mixture of travelogue, history, philosophy, cycle paths and human interactions, both comic and poignant.’
Louise Voss, author of His Other Woman, The Venus Trap, etc.

‘Pilgrim Cello is a love letter both to English sacred space and to the stubborn human urge to seek meaning on the move… a book that goes beyond words.’
The Revd Dan Tyndall, former Vicar of St Mary Redcliffe Bristol and Honorary Canon of Bristol Cathedral.

‘Delightful. Witty and multi-layered; a page-turning read.’
Dr. Farhad Emad.

‘So much more than just a bike ride…’
Bob Morrow, USA

‘This is a wonderful book, about a remarkable pilgrimage. As a fellow long-distance cyclist, I’m full of admiration for the physical achievement of cycling so far with a cello. Adding to those days in the saddle with musical performances is even more astonishing.  But then being able to share those experiences with such intimacy and humour is perhaps the biggest achievement of all. Thank you for writing this book and bringing us on the journey with you.’
Jonathan Mayes, CEO, Cathedral Music Trust.