Coat of Hopes’ Endless Pilgrimage: Spreading Messages of Climate Action Across the UK

An endless pilgrimage around the U.K. involving an object rather than a person has attracted considerable attention in every place it visits. Known as the Coat of Hopes, it has traveled over 1,500 miles — with no end in sight to this rather different type of pilgrimage.

The Coat of Hopes started its journey on the south coast over four years ago before heading north to attend the United Nations Climate Change Conference in 2021 (or COP26) in Glasgow. Along the way, the loose blanket style robe has been covered with ever increasing numbers of colorful patches bearing the hopes and dreams of those who encounter it.

The initial idea was to draw attention to climate and environmental issues at COP26, but it has developed its own unique character as its originator, Barbara Keal, said. “The coat walks on ever sharing its invitation to everyone it meets. We share with each other and all life, and accept on our shoulders the responsibility to be the change that our world needs.”

Throughout the journey, people wear the Coat of Hopes for varying lengths of time. Anyone can choose to wear it either along the route, or at one of the many churches and chapels in which it rests overnight.

Each time a new person dons the coat, a song is sung:

“Ask me where I’m going, Ask me what is my purpose, ask me what my name is.

They call me the Coat of Hopes,

Come mark your hopes on blanket and I’ll sew them into me, a coat that’s made by everyone for everyone to wear, to feel my warmth, and the weight of responsibility we share.”

Helen Locke, the coat’s wayfinder, said they “have lost count how many people have worn the coat.” 

“On the original walk from Newhaven to Glasgow, there were more than 1,000,” she said. “The current section of walking, from Ely to Norwich is our 20th walk. Between 50 and 100 new people wear the Coat on each walk on average. That would take us well over 2,000. Then there are all those who wear the Coat when it is on display in a certain place or at special events.”