The book describes the pilgrim routes and sacred destinations, the pilgrims, the many hazards of travel, and the spiritual motivations and rewards.

The first eight chapters journey through history, exploring what Pilgrimage is, and follow the path of pilgrims from Ancient times, through the age of Constantine, the Celts and Anglo-Saxons, right up to the New Millennium.

James Harpur then explores some of the well-known Pilgrimage routes and sites, such as Rome, Santiago de Compostela, Canterbury, Croagh Patrick, Iona, and Walsingham. Including as well the modern shrines of the Americas such as Our Lady of Guadalupe and Our Lady of Paradisa.

The book is written in a lively and informative way, taking the armchair pilgrim on a voyage through the history of the ancient pilgrims, and guiding them to see the place of pilgrims in today's modern society.