Outdoor Labyrinth Walks in the Richmond area offer contemplation, movement

Are you in need of movement in the outdoors and quiet contemplation? Seek out these Labyrinths in the Richmond area which aim to give both a sense of escape and a chance to ponder.

A labyrinth is a complex and circuitous path that leads from a beginning point to a center. According to Quest Magazine there are two primary varieties:

A maze, with repeatedly dividing paths, forcing the traveler to choose among options, some of which may be dead ends, while others double back on themselves, so that the traveler has no assurance of ever reaching the goal and is constantly faced with decisions and frustrations, but also may experience the relief and surprise of having made the right choices leading to the goal; or
A meander, with a single, undivided path and no choices to make other than traveling onward through the winding pattern to an assured goal. The meandering pattern may tease the traveler by leading now inward, then suddenly outward, but eventually it arrives surely at the goal.

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Outdoor Labyrinth Walks in the Richmond Area:

Innerwork labyrinth / Photo credit: Facebook

1. The Innerwork Center’s labyrinth on the Northside (across from 3318 Loxley Rd. at the Union Presbyterian Seminary) is open and available to all seeking a contemplative place to walk mindfully and quiet the noise. An ancient mystical tool, the labyrinth is a walking meditation used by many cultures and traditions around the world. Unlike a maze, there is only a single, clear path in and out. Walking through a labyrinth has come to symbolize the spiritual journey. The Medieval style Labyrinth, made of brick and paver is always open to the public, during daylight hours.

2. Lewis Ginter Botanical Garden, 1800 Lakeside Ave., Richmond, VA 23228
Garden containing labyrinth is open to public 9-5 daily, membership or admission fee required. The classical, ceremonial Labyrinth has a simple three-circuit pattern, designed by Helen Curry. The 24-foot diameter Labyrinth of concrete paving stones, designed by Helen Curry was Installed at the ceremony site in the Rose Garden in 2008.

3. Richmond Hill Church, 2209 East Grace St., Richmond, VA 23223. Located 1 block South of East Broad St. at 22nd Street. The 39-foot diameter outdoor permanent Labyrinth was installed in 2008 in the Medieval style from brick and paver materials.

Richmond Hill Labyrinth / Photo credit: Facebook

4. St. David’s Episcopal Church, 1801 Camborne Rd., N. Chesterfield, VA 23236. At the corner of Reams Road and Providence Road. The design is a medieval Santa Rosa Labyrinth made of brick and pavers designed by Dr. Lea Goode-Harris, nearly 35 feet that was installed on January 25, 2018.

St. David’s Labyrinth / Photo credit: Facebook

5. Unitarian Universalist Community Church of Glen Allen, 11105 Cauthorne Rd, Glen Allen, Virginia 23059. Outdoor on the grass , far back lot behind the church. Open anytime. Park behind the church. It is a classical type with a chalice design. Installed in 2016, the labyrinth is 30 feet in diameter.

Want to get out more and enjoy the fresh air in natural places around Richmond? Check out other posts about how to explore the outdoors.

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