‘VILLAGE pilgrim’ Diana Ramona sets off from Porlock on Thursday (June 6) on a nine-day walk through some of the most isolated communities in West Somerset.

Diana founded the ‘We Visit Villages’ project, which she describes as ‘a journey steeped in passion, discovery, and the comforting embrace of small communities’.

She sees her ‘The Village Pilgrim’ walk as a transformative solo journey through Somerset’s countryside to support cancer patients and promote sustainable living.

Aged 36 and having recently survived cancer, Diana has launched a campaign of resilience and connection in the fight against the disease.

Diana Ramona, who is walking through some of West Somerset's most isolated communities to support cancer patients.
Diana Ramona, who is walking through some of West Somerset's most isolated communities to support cancer patients. ( )

The walk will take in places such as Porlock Weir, Bossington, Selworthy, Allerford, and Dunster, as she ‘casts a light on the silent yet profound struggles of rural cancer patients and the therapeutic power of nature’.

After her cancer diagnosis, Diana transformed her battle into a ‘beacon of hope and resilience’ and will make her way through at least 25 villages during the nine-day trek.

She will be sharing information and stories on the way, symbolically carrying a backpack representing the emotional weight borne by those diagnosed with cancer.

Reflecting on personal values and environmental concerns, Diana said the journey underscored the importance of sustainable practices.

She is using only refillable water bottles and engaging in slow travel to demonstrate a model of eco-consciousness that aligns with therapeutic benefits.

Diana said it was not just a physical trek, but a clarion call to address the loneliness which plagued residents of rural communities, whether from illness or social isolation.

She wants ‘The Village Pilgrim’ walk to foster a deeper community connection and inspire a nationwide conversation about the healing powers of the natural environment and communal support.

The initiative will continue after the final village as Diana plans to document her experiences through a series of blog posts and social media updates, encouraging an ongoing dialogue about health, wellness, and rural living.

Through such content she aims to create a sustainable platform for education and community engagement well beyond the walk’s conclusion.

Romanian by birth, Diana started her globetrotting adventures in 2016 and has since visited more than 30 countries.