The first group of pilgrims on Saint Aelred's Pilgrim Trail began the Gathering Walk at 8.30 a.m. at All Saints', Hawnby and proceeded to All Saints', Old Byland where refreshments were available.  Walkers and riders were joined by others on the way to St Mary's, Scawton and thence to St Michael's Cold Kirby where there was a pause for packed lunches in the Village Hall.  More pilgrims joined the walk here and continued to Rievaulx where, after visiting the Methodist Church and St Mary the Virgin's Church (formerly the Slipper Chapel to Rievaulx Abbey), everyone followed the processional cross and the church banner down through the village to the Abbey entrance.  Just before 4.00 p.m. some 100 + people and a number of horses entered the Abbey precincts to the music of the Bilsdale Silver Band.  The service which followed, in the Nave of the Abbey, was one of celebration and rejoicing, both at the conclusion of a happy day's pilgrimage and also for the historic launch of  Saint Aelred's Pilgrim Trail, a 'way' now established for future pilgrims to this beautiful area of the country.   There were heartfelt prayers and readings and hearty singing of well-known hymns, accompanied by the mellow sounds of the band.  A launch reception followed in the Abbey Café, with fizz and canapés.  All-in-all, a very memorable and meaningful day.

This event was designed to coincide with the Heritage Open Days 2024; and the Yorkshire Churches Day Ride & Stride event.  Any sponsorship monies raised will go to support our historic church buildings. 

Exhibitions and displays in all the churches will remain in situ until 22 September.  

Guidebooks (£3) and passports (£1) for the Pilgrim Trail are available in all the churches.

For more information about the Saint Aelred's Pilgrim Trail: https://www.saintaelredspilgrimtrail.com/