Weaving Paths: Movement, landscapes, and corporeal encounters
In this paper, I explore how the people walking along
pilgrimage routes interact with the landscape in a process of path-making that
shapes both themselves and the spaces involved. Recent engagements with landscape, being influenced by
phenomenological and non-representational approaches, have conceived of it as a
dynamic process, highlighting the active and unfolding nature of these spaces. I explore these ideas by walking, both alone
and with others, along pilgrimage trails in Ireland. A network of such paths,
both ancient and modern, is found across the island; these having been
developed as heritage trails and as spiritual ways. My experiences and encounters along these
trails shape my considerations of how people (and bodies), spaces and
natural/material elements entwine and continually become in a process of
corporeal movement, practice and belief. I seek to appreciate how the
meaningful movement of walking the route involves an active
engagement with the landscape that opens up along these paths. Speculation on conceptual and methodological
approaches and challenges will be offered as contributions for advancing
discussions and making connections.