Type of Walk: Spiritual Journeys

'The beautiful Yorkshire countryside, with its gently sloping hills, valleys and amazing scenic views, is home to some of England's greatest abbeys. The Abbey Trail links seven of these historic buildings at Kirkstall, Fountains, Byland, Rievaulx, Lastingham, Rosedale and Whitby into a great long distance path with an ecclesiastical and historical theme.'

Walking Pages

The Abbey Trail  Clive Newsome (Sigma Press, 2003).

'Mission is to make routes available to walkers that were taken by monks in the 12th to 14th centuries either between Abbeys in the United Kingdom or from their own Abbey to their General Chapter meeting in France.'

Rachel & Tony Maskill-Rogan

'Links up three famous Yorkshire Abbeys (Fountains Abbey, Jervaulx Abbey and Bolton Priory) as well as visiting three Yorkshire castles (Ripley, Bolton and Middleham).' Book obtainable from Dales Court Press

John and Nancy Eckersley

'There are many ways to discover Suffolk's medieval churches but by bike or on foot you can savour the delights of the countryside at close quarters. There is a real sense of achievement to be had from walking or cycling between churches, quite apart from the gorgeous views on the way ... '

Angels & Pinnacles A Celebration of Suffolk Churches

'Old coffin routes which were used in time past by burial parties going to Clachan Church at Applecross Bay. There are various cairns along the route which indicate where the procession would have rested and possibly drank to the deceased. They are both very long coffin roads and it is entirely understandable that people would need frequent rests along the way.'

Heritage Paths

Applecross Landscape Partnership

'Bede's Way has been devised to link the twin Anglo-Saxon monastery of St Peter's in Wearmouth and St Paul's in Jarrow. Today the route follows a safe and enjoyable path through the Great North Forest, covering twelve miles of rich landscape, delightful seascape, rolling hills and meandering streams.'

The Jarrow Team Ministry

Bede's Way Walk  [St Peter's Wearmouth]

'Following mediaeval tracks out across the fens, the Bishop's Way takes you along the route used by the Bishops of Ely to their palace in Downham.' 

OutdoorActive

'A mile long walk along Leeds road in Bradford City Centre exploring the places of worship of different faiths.'

'The British Pilgrimage Trust was established in order to "advance British pilgrimage as a form of cultural heritage that promotes holistic wellbeing, for the public benefit". We believe that pilgrimage in Britain should be Open to All, and the Trust promotes community and diversity within Britain’s spiritual and geographical landscape.'

'The series of Church2Church Walks in Warwickshire offer the walker something uniquely different. Because the distances between churches are generally very manageable to walk, it is about taking your time to go from Church2Church, to enjoy and appreciate the countryside around and when finally, you arrive at the next church, to allow yourself time to have a look around and to enjoy and appreciate the stillness and peace that can be found in and around churches and churchyards.'

The Diocese of Coventry

'This web site is very much "work in progress" - as is the whole Cistercian Way Project. We started in 1998 trying to work out a way that we could walk round Wales, linking all the Welsh Cistercian abbeys, medieval and modern. This was part of the celebrations of the 900th anniversary of the foundation of the Cistercian order ...'

Pilgrimage route  through Cornwall from St. German’s to St. Michael’s Mount: 'The aim of the Cornish Celtic Way is to aid people of all ages who are interested in spirituality to explore faith in a different way. We believe that having faith isn’t about just going to a place of worship – it’s about getting out and experiencing it in everyday life as well, and taking it into your own hands. We hope that the Cornish Celtic Way will develop spiritual growth and personal reflection through stories of the Celtic Saints, Cornwall’s rich history, incredible landscape and the people and communities that will be encountered along the way'.

Nigel Marns

Where the paths meet ...

Crich Walk [Discover Derbyshire and the Peak District]

'Trace the story of faith in Lancaster from Roman times to the present day through its rich heritage of faith sites and buildings.'

Visit Lancashire

'A walk into the past, around the precinct of Eynsham Abbey. It was created in 2002 to mark the bounds of the former precinct, with carved stone from the abbey built into the engraved 'stations'.The Slideshow includes installation of a new Archaeological Trail ... '

Eynsham Parish Council

‘For 400 years, St Andrews was one of the main pilgrimage destinations in Medieval Europe ... The Fife Pilgrim Way follows one of the routes taken by countless pilgrims to Scotland’s holy hot-spot.’

Fife Coast & Countryside Trust

'These self-guided trails combine the wonderful landscapes and scenery of the valley with the discovery of some of the county’s most important churches. They exhibit a wide range of architectural styles: Saxon at Headbourne Worthy; Norman at Bishop’s Sutton, Easton and St Cross; Georgian at Avington; late Victorian at Itchen Stoke.'

Visit Winchester

'Long-distance pilgrimage route (or "legendary walk") ... stretching across south-west England ... between Tintagel and Glastonbury.'

Kevan Manwaring

'This Pilgrimage is a journey through the English Lake District that takes a road less traveled of 275km and 18,500 metres of ascent ... Like all pilgrimages, the Lakeland Pilgrimage is a long journey to a special place, in this case to the mountain cathedrals. It presents a wonderful opportunity to connect on a deep level with a small part of the world; to experience a deep peace; to find the extraordinary in the everyday; and to be energised by the intensity of the experience.'

John Fleetwood

'The Low Furness Peninsula, a recognised Hidden Britain Centre, has shaped and been shaped by humankind for at least 3,000 years and the emerging history and archaeology add further mystery to the particular influences left by Druidic, Roman, Celtic, Viking, Puritan and Victorian faith builders and settlers in their time in this place. Few places in Britain can boast as much rural variety as this; miles of wild and diverse coastline to explore from the endless sands of Bardsea beach to the raw and atmospheric reaches of Roe Island and Piel Island. Inland, rich farmland, small hamlets and woods rise to reach the limestone pavements and heights of Birkrigg Common with its panoramic views of Morecambe Bay and of the nearby Lakeland fells.'

Explore Low Furness

'This route passes through diverse landscapes connecting significant Christian and pre-Christian sites, creating a spiritual and cultural journey which offers opportunity for reflection and inspiration.'

Richard Dealler

'A walk along the Meon Valley discovering the churches founded in the 7th century by Saint Wilfrid.'

Bridge Churches

'Walkers' route through East Yorkshire, between the magnificent Minsters of Beverley and York, visiting Arram, Scorborough, North Dalton, Lockington, Millington, Great Givendale, Bishop Wilton, Full Sutton, Stamford Bridge, Kexby and Fulford ... It was established in 1980 by Ray Wallis of the East Yorkshire Area of The Ramblers.'

Wikipedia

'An emerging community of people that seek to re-imagine the mountain experience. Mountain Pilgrims meet outdoors to discover the "thin places" where the spirit soars and we are lifted out of the everyday. Through three strands: Active, Reflective and Abbey, we invite those with different experience and fitness to join us as we journey together.'

'There are traditionally 5 main walks or Legs as we call them which are named after their associations with locations. Carlisle, Melrose and Lanark start in those towns. Haddington used to start in that town until it started in Edinburgh. Northumbrian was originally Newcastle, then Hexham, then settled on Northumbrian as it has always been a walk almost entirely in the county of Northumberland.' Held around the time of Easter. 

'The British Pilgrimage Trust has rediscovered one of Britain’s great pilgrimage routes: Old Way, a 250 mile journey from Southampton to Canterbury.'Access the Old Way Online Guide by subscription, or by becoming a Friend of the BPT.

British Pilgrimage Trust

'This is an amazing new pilgrim and heritage way created for the 21st century, which starts in the market town of Todmorden in West Yorkshire and retraces the steps of St Paulinus until it reaches the historic city of York.'

British Pilgrimage Trust

'This invitation to come on pilgrimage to Eyam comes from the church and people of Eyam because we would like to share our story and our village with you. That is why we have developed the Peak Pilgrimage – to help you have a wonderful experience of the Peak District National Park, then of Eyam, and also of God along the way ...'

Eyam Parish Church

'Long distance footpath linking St Winefride's Well at Holywell with Bardsey Island.'

Pilgrim's Way North Wales Association

'Follow a medieval route from the shrine of St Swithun at Winchester Cathedral, weaving across the landscape by way of Bishop's Waltham and Southwick to Portsmouth in the footsteps of the Miquelots, pilgrims who made the long journey to worship St Michael in Normandy.'

Hampshire County Council

'Follow in the footsteps of a medieval priest as you walk along the ancient track known as the Priest's Way. It passes between quarries and across open fields with spectacular views along the way. The walk finishes near one of Dorset's most famous pubs, the Square & Compass.

Dorset Countryside Ranger Service

'Saint Illtyd was a well respected 7th century saint, the trail follows a route that St Illtyd is believed to have travelled whilst preaching in South Wales. The trail links with other long distance routes in south Wales including the Coed Morgannwg Way, Wales Coastal Path and the Ogwr Ridgeway Walk.'

Walk Around Wales [Dai Richards]

British Pilgrimage Trust

'Signed walking trail connects key sites relating to Saint Patrick and Christian Heritage. It takes you through some of Northern Ireland’s most spectacular scenic landscapes before ending at Saint Patrick’s final resting place, in the grounds of Down Cathedral in Downpatrick. It incorporpares exisiting walking routes including the Newry Canal Way and Mourne Way.'

Discover Northern Ireland

'To mark the Centenary of Rotary International in 2005, the two Rotary Clubs of Ripon, The Rotary Club of Ripon and The Rotary Club of Ripon Rowels, have produced The Ripon Sanctuary Markers, Sanctuary Way Walk that takes you along the ancient boundary of the Sanctuary Markers.'

Ripon Rotary Club and Ripon Rowels Rotary Club

'Brings together the travels of Scotland's Celtic Saints and Medieval traditions of pilgrimage with modern faith journeys. In time a network of Pilgrim Journeys will crisscross the whole of Scotland, encompassing many local routes and sites.'

Scotland's Churches Trust

Scottish Pilgrim Routes Forum

'From Lincoln Cathedral to St Denys' Church, Sleaford. Brings together the rich history, heritage and local stories of the area. It has many beautiful artworks, churches, interesting landscapes and picturesque skies.'

'A 36 mile (58 km) walk through delightful, rural West Cumbria and the magnificent scenery of the English Lake District ... If you can't spare the time for two weeks on Alfred Wainwright's Coast to Coast, or three weeks for the Pennine Way, then this three-day walk is for you.'

Rosalinde Downing

'St. Bernard’s Way is a 1573.4 km / 977.7 mile long distance walking route from Rievaulx Abbey, North Yorkshire, England to Citeaux Abbey, south of Dijon in France. It has been created in recognition of monastic travels that were undertaken in the 12th to 14th centuries, and of St. Bernard of Clairvaux who was instrumental in the development and expansion of the Cistercian Order ... St Bernard’s Way has 33 stages in the UK, and 35 in France.'  (I have referenced the total distance for the UK stages, from Helmsley to Dover, Kent.)

Abbey Walks

'The St Birinus Pilgrimage takes place every year on the first Sunday in July. Hundreds of people from various Christian traditions assemble at Churn Knob, a hill 7 miles south-west of Dorchester where Birinus is said to have preached. From there the pilgrims walk cross-country to Dorchester Abbey for a packed and joyful united service in which local leaders of the Anglican, Catholic and Nonconformist churches take an active part.'

walkingworld.com

'The route from Aberdeen to St Andrews forms the second part of an expanded route which starts at Tain (Gaelic: Baile Dubhthaich, "Duthac's town"), the shrine of St Duthac there being another former pilgrimage destination of some importance, hence St Duthac's Way.'

The Way of St. Andrews

'This is the original route through Glen Affric which fell into disuse when the present public road on the north side of the River Affric through Chisholm's Pass was made in the 19th century. It is shown on Roy's map of 1755 as Road from Kintail to Inverness ...

'The original route on the south side of Loch Beinn a' Mheadhoin is now very difficult to pass due to forestry. Some intrepid surveyors have managed to hack their way through and poles were placed along the route some years ago, but these are unlikely to be easy to find.  However it is a great shame that the whole of this path is ignored for the difficulty in passing a relatively short stretch.  The views are apparently far better than those of the shoreside path.'

Heritage Paths

'Pilgrimage route from Hinderwell in Yorkshire to Whitby Abbey. It visits eight Churches and Chapels all dedicated to St Hilda, as well as two other churches named after St Hedda and St Mary. Hilda was Abbess of Hartlepool and founder of Whitby Abbey, raised in King Edwin of Northumbria’s Court.'

British Pilgrimage

Walking St Hilda’s Way Nancy and John Eckersley (2015)

'Gives a detailed guide to a newly developed long distance walk across Worcestershire and Gloucestershire, linking the two places most connected with the life of the ninth century Mercian Saint ... The trail is documented in a 60 page pocket-sized guide which gives clear directions, notes about historic sites on the route, an account of the legend of St Kenelm and tourist information ... St Kenelm's Way is a walk with the same starting and finishing points, but using a different route.'

John Price

'Pilgrimage route through Mainland Orkney, inspired by the life and death of Magnus, Orkney’s patron saint.'

Orkney Pilgrimage

'Throughout Europe there is a network of pilgrim routes which lead to one of the three most important places of Christian pilgrimage in the world - the Cathedral of St James in Santiago de Compostela, North West Spain. The St Michael's Way Trail is one of these routes ... The trail stretches from Lelant (near St. Ives) to Marazion (near Penzance) and stretches 12.5 miles/19.5 km.'

St Michael's Way [Cornwall Guide] | St Michaels Way [GPS Cycle & Walking Routes]

'Long-distance walking route, exploring some of the finest landscapes and fascinating history of Northumberland ... Short Walks Around St. Oswald's Way.'

St Oswald's Way Association

'Runs between Winchester, the capital of Saxon England, and historic Farnham. Whilst not tracing the original route of the Pilgrim’s Way, as much of this is now the busy A31, St Swithun’s Way follows some of the county’s best countryside paths.'

Hampshire County Council

'Travel in the footsteps of St Augustine and discover the birth of Christianity in England in the beautiful Stour Valley from Ramsgate to Canterbury.'

Explore Kent

'Pilgrimage route which has been recreated between the cathedral cities of Chester and Lichfield.'

David Pott

'A Walking Day is a type of church parade. Walking days are most common in the North West region of England, where they are an annual event for many towns and villages. In some rural communities in the North West they are known as Field Days, Gala Days or Club Days ... Non-church processions are often led by a young lady, who has been crowned the "Rose Queen" for the year. The Queen may be particular to a church but can represent the whole village too. Indeed, some Rose Queens and May Queens have festivals of their own ... '

Wikipedia

'Walking Day is held in high esteem by Warrington people ... Initially, it is understood that mainly members of the Church of England took part, but in 1857 the first record of Roman Catholic scholars joining in with the celebrations of Walking Day was reported in the Warrington Guardian. However, until 1908 the different religious denominations followed a separate route from the Church of England procession. Although in 1909 the same route was used by all denominations, the non-conformists and Roman Catholics did not assemble in Bank Park, nor take part in a march past the Town Hall. Eventually, in 1920 all participants in the procession came together to proclaim a joint acknowledgement of Christianity.' Held Early July.

Warrington Borough Council