The Deans of the Channel Islands, Dean Mike Keirle of Jersey and Dean Tim Barker of Guernsey, are this week embarking on a 27-mile trekking pilgrimage along the Clarendon Way from Winchester to Salisbury.

It is in homage to their respective churches being transferred from the Diocese of Winchester to the Diocese of Salisbury.

Before the Reformation, the Channel Islands were briefly within the Diocese of Salisbury between 1496 to 1499, after having been transferred from the Bishop of Coutances, in Normandy, France.

However, in 1499, Pope Alexander VI transferred ecclesiastical allegiance of the Channel Islands to the Diocese of Winchester, where they have remained since.

Despite the Islands still being within the Diocese of Winchester at the time, the first English bishop to make a formal visit to the islands in the modern era was Bishop John Fisher of Salisbury in 1818.

Deans Keirle and Barker will be made canons of Salisbury Cathedral at a ceremony on Thursday evening to be attended by the Lieutenant Governors of the Islands.

The Very Rev Mike Keirle said: “This pilgrimage is a way of saying farewell to the Diocese of Winchester and heading to our welcome in Salisbury.

"For the people in the islands, we are looking forward to belonging to the diocese of Salisbury and being part of something much bigger. We know our priests and people will be able to flourish in the diocese.”

The Dean of Guernsey, the Very Rev Tim Barker, said: “Our new relationship with the Diocese of Salisbury is important, both for accountability and because we all have much to give and receive, that will enhance and strengthen our common life in Christ.

"The pilgrimage which the two deans are undertaking is a recognition that there is much for which we give thanks in the long relationship with the Diocese of Winchester and its bishops, and that the two bailiwicks are looking forward to continuing our journey together with the Bishop of Salisbury and the wider diocesan community.”

The Bishop of Salisbury, Stephen Lake, will welcome the Channel Islands Deans into the Cathedral on Thursday evening. He said: “The addition of the parishes of the Channels Islands has grown the diocese by 13 per cent.

"We are very pleased to be able to join with them, and to work with them, to serve the needs of our communities, together.”