Saint Aelred's Pilgrim Trail

The Saint Aelred's Pilgrim Trail is an amazing new trail dedicated to Saint Aelred in homage to his tenure as Abbot of Rievaulx (1147-1167) his love of walking, history, friendship, and prolific writing. This 41-mile trail accessible to walkers and riders, will link the historic rural churches of Upper Ryedale ( Saint John's Bilsdale, All Saints, Hawnby, All Saints, Old Byland, Saint Mary's, Scawton, Saint Michael's, Cold Kirby) with the handsome and historic Church of All Saints, Helmsley and the 19th century Methodist Church, together with the historic hamlet churches of Saint Mary Magdalene, East Moors (built by Temple Moore and famous for having a poem written about it by the poet John Betjeman), the “slipper chapel” of the Abbey - the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, Rievaulx, the Methodist Chapel, Rievaulx, the stunning Rievaulx Abbey, and the restored Elizabethan building of the Church of Saint Chad, Sproxton.

The pilgrim trail will be a good 3- or 4-day walking weekend for anyone who wants to base themselves in our area. It is also an opportunity for just a day or section walk, for anyone who loves walking or riding through our splendid North York Moors countryside. It is part of our challenge to revitalise interest in our historic rural and hamlet churches and chapels and their Christian mission in our rural communities. We hope it will generate an interest in people of all faiths and none who love striding and riding and the opportunity pilgrimage offer.

Timings & Tours

Available anytime

Location & directions

All Saints Church, Church Street, Helmsley, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5AD

Directions:

The Trail begins and ends in Helmsley, starting at the Church of All Saints, Helmsley. It will be waymarked and signposted.

Contact on day:

Mr George Gyte

Telephone number:

+447900896739

Booking information

Pre-booking requirement:

Pre-booking not required

Accessibility details

Parking is available in the Cleveland Way car park, Helmsley

Additional information

Helmsley is a lovely Yorkshire market town with plenty of accommodation options for walkers., as well as accommodation options along the route. This is a self-guided walk, and walkers undertake this at their own risk. As part of Heritage Open Days, there will be a 12 mile guided 'Gathering Walk' taking place on Saturday 14th September. See separate event entry for more details. In addition, we also have another well-known local photographer, Gareth Jenkins from Kirkbymoorside, together with local artist and writer Libby Pearson, who are producing a collection and exhibition called “Voices of the Trail”. They are recording the voices and photographs of local people whose lives relate to the churches and local villages along the Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail. Postcards have been produced informing people about this initiative. See Gareth’s website (https://viewfromwithout.com ).

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