A Westminster cyclist is closing in on Jerusalem after months on the road across Europe and Turkey.
Andrew Foote, a gardener from Willesden Green, began his journey from Westminster Cathedral on August 15. He is now in Jordan and hopes to arrive in Jerusalem this Friday, November 13.
The 32-year-old spent a week in Antakya, historically known as Antioch, in southern Turkey, a city of great significance in Christian history.
He then flew to Amman, after deciding it was unsafe to continue through Syria.
Mr Foote said: “It was a bit weird not to be on the road and not moving for the first couple of days, but at the same time it was really quite nice.
“I had quite a few really good days there.”
During his stay, he was hosted by Capuchin friars and explored mountains, caves, and ancient Christian sites.
A highlight of his visit was the Cave Church of St Peter, believed by many to be one of the world’s earliest Christian places of worship.
“It’s thought to have been used as a church since around AD 50, where St Peter held services for the early Christian community.
“It’s dark, atmospheric and there’s a small pool fed by a stream running through the mountain.
“That water was used for baptisms from the first century.
“It’s quite possible that St Peter baptised people there.”
He also reflected on the lasting impact of the 2023 earthquake in Antakya.
Mr Foote said: “Whole neighbourhoods have disappeared.”
He described moments of loneliness and self-reflection during his journey through Turkey.
Mr Foote said: “There were times when I felt lonelier than before.
“I started to wonder what exactly the pilgrimage meant.
“It didn’t always feel like a pilgrimage.
“I found myself somewhere between a pilgrimage, an endurance challenge and being on holiday.”
Now in Jordan, he hopes to visit the baptismal site of Christ before continuing into Palestine and on to Jerusalem.
He said: “I’m really looking forward to it.
“Being able to go to Mass more frequently, to hear homilies in English and simply to have conversations with people again.”
His route has taken him from Westminster Cathedral across Europe and into Turkey, then by air from Antakya to Amman after the road through Syria was judged unsafe, and on through Jordan towards the baptismal site and then Jerusalem.
Londoners are no strangers to long-distance challenges on foot and on wheels — London Marathon 2027 runners have been urged to start training in December ahead of the race next April.
