I did the Silent Pilgrimage with my ( at the start ) level eight, female, Dunmer Warmage. No tricks were used to speed the journey, no teleportation, no console commands, et cetera. Roads were used until I passed Falasmaryon, after which there really isn't a road for that last bit of Ashland. Ran the entire way, keeping Rest of St. Merris in effect to keep from becoming fatigued.
It was an enjoyable stroll. Athletics, a miscellaneous skill, increased by three to twenty-two; while Restoration, a major skill, increased by six to thirty-six from casting Rest of St. Merris, and Balyna's Soothing Balm after battles. It took one day and fourteen hours in-game to reach the shack -- one hour and eleven minutes real-time.
And now for the jog back...
The first few times I did this quest I thought no talking meant no spells allowed.
Cause you talk when using spells, right?
So I also walked all the way. But without magical aid.
When I finally got there I was very relieved and went into the shack to tell the Dumner lady of my success, wich would complete the quest, right?
Wrong.
Guess where my last save was. Thats right, Vivec city.
Ahh Morrowind