Before you set off

It is necessary to:

• prepare supplies for the route (food, drink, thermos with hot tea, water, high energy food: chocolate, candy bars, halvah); it is best to pack all these things in one backpack;
• wear warm clothes, comfortable and water-proof walking shoes (the route can be muddy and slippery), water-proof clothing appropriate to temperature changes and unfavourable weather conditions;
• take: a mobile phone (charge it before setting off), a torch (preferably a headlamp), basic medical dressing, reflective bands (preferably a reflective vest);
• check the local weather forecast;
• inform your family of your plan to walk EWC;
• assure your return in case you decide not to continue your route; remember that EWC includes your taking risk and agreeing to face unforeseen events;
• think over your return after EWC;
• look again at your route carefully.

It is worth taking:

• a wooden cross,
• a walking stick (e.g. Nordic walking stick),
• GPS; files with routes can be downloaded from the website,
• a map of the territory of your EWC.
• Remember that the heavier your backpack the bigger your burden and fatigue.

You can walk EWC any time!

• Choose your route
• Download the meditations
• Go!

Before you decide to walk

• Read the information about EWC and consider if you want to take the challenge. Look at FAQ.
• Extreme Way of the Cross embraces walking at night, meditating selected texts and struggling with your weaknesses.
• It is of an individual character: while walking your route and facing unforeseen events you can count only on yourself.
• Your participation is a voluntary religious practice. You are entirely responsible for your decision.
• Look at the routes and evaluate which one you can walk. Descriptions of the routes can be found here.
• Your decision involves full responsibility for everything related to this event.

Before you set off

• While walking
• It is obligatory to keep the Rule of Silence from the first station of the cross. Respect the right of other participants to profound experiences of the Mystery of the Way of the Cross through their encounters with God in silence and concentration, the exception being reading loudly the meditations and prayers at every station.
• Legally speaking, your EWC is long distance walking.
• Do not plan too long stops.
• Watch out when walking along the side of the road. Observe traffic signs. Walking in small groups, less than 10 people, is permitted.
• While meditating at the stations and making stops en route, ensure that you do not occupy too much space so that other participants have enough room for meditation and short prayer.
• The route can be muddy and slippery.

 How to prepare yourself for EWC

• You should start by choosing the place from which you will depart. It is customary for EWC to begin with an ordinary Mass. When selecting a place/area - you need to check when the departure is planned.
• There are routes prepared in the area. You can download a GPS track or print a route description. It makes walking a lot easier because it is difficult to ask for directions at night.
• You can go to EWC alone or in a small group. There is silence in all cases. The pilgrims stop in designated places for prayer at the station. Avoid talking and picnics. You can eat and drink on the route. It is not the essence of EWC to lack food.
• Special considerations are prepared for EWC that reflect the spirit of this challenge. They are prepared by Fr. Jacek Wiosna Stryczek together with his community. You can listen to them - the recording is available in the EWC application or read.
• ECW is not a pilgrimage. There is no security. Everyone is fighting alone to stay on the road. Risks. Nor is it about going out with any intention. It's about changing your life. If the pilgrim gets better, everyone will benefit.
• God does not plan good weather for EWC. Our God doesn't deal with the weather. It is about making us better. So it would help if you took precautions against all kinds of weather. Walking 40 km takes 8 (very fast) to 12 hours.

Do you know any interesting route that can be taken during EWC?

Do you want to share your experiences?

Write to: kontakt@edk.org.pl