Question 1

Can I bring my dog?

Accepted Answer

Ramblers UK have lots of great advice about walking in the countryside responsibly with your dog.

Question 2

Who is the trail suitable for?

Accepted Answer

There is no minimum or maximum age, or ability levels but it is a 41 mile trail over sometimes uneven and challenging terrain.  Be prepared and bring the right kit.

Question 3

Can I get there by public transport?

Accepted Answer

The route starts and ends in Helmsley and there are buses to Helmsley from York and Scarborough.  Please note that none of our rural churches have public parking.

Question 4

Can I cycle the St Aelred's pilgrim Trail?

Accepted Answer

You can but please note some sections are only suitable for mountain bikes. If you go to the Main Menu and Click Riding and Cycling, you  will find a route for cyclists. Click on the St Aelred's Pilgrim Trail Cycle Route for a map of the route and a downloadable Cycle Route Instructions.

Question 5

Can I ride the St Aelred's Pilgrim Trail on my horse?

Accepted Answer

You can and there is a route for riders using bridleways and UURs. Click on Riding and Cycling you will find the downloadable riding route and link to the new published guide. The Riders Route is waymarked, with thanks to Bill Tait and the Ryedale Bridleways Group. The waymarkers show our logo with an insert of a horse.   We are grateful to the Ryedale Bridleways group and British Horse Society for their support and generosity.

Question 6

What are the options for accommodation along the route?

Accepted Answer

There are several options for accommodation along the route. We have worked with local providers and listed your options in our Accommodation page. Go to the Main Menu and click on Useful Information and then Accommodation.

Question 7

How do I walk the St Aelred's Pilgrim Trail without a car?

Accepted Answer

The only public transport available is the Moorsbus which runs from April. If you go to the Main Menu and click on Useful Information, then Using the Moorsbus to do the Trail. 
Another option is to base yourself in Helmsley and use a friendly local taxi service. You will find details of Dave and Helen's service on the Accommodation Page in Useful Information.

Question 8

How long will it take me to walk the St Aelred's Pilgrim Trail?

Accepted Answer

This will depend on your fitness and usual walking speed. If you wanted to do it in three days you could do Stages 1 and 2 on Day 1, Stages 3, 4, 5 and 6 on Day 2 and Stages 7, 8 and 9 on Day 3.
In the Guidebook and the downloadable walking instructions for each Stage in the Walking section of the main menu, you can see the lengths of each Stage, which vary from 1.5 to 7.5, depending on the distance between churches.

Question 9

Is there car parking at all the churches?

Accepted Answer

We have designed the Trail as a continuous walking Trail, hoping that we wont be adding to the number of cars coming to the area. You will always find somewhere to park near each church, it may be a wide grass verge or a pull-in at the side of the road. In Helmsley there are several car parks. In Sproxton you will have to use the village hall car park which is down the road adjacent to the church.

Question 10

Are the churches open for visitors?

Accepted Answer

All Saints in Helmsley and St Chads in Sproxton are open from 9 am to 4 pm. The other churches are always open, except for St Michaels in Cold Kirby which is sadly closed for worship. The porch is open and the church stamp is in a box for getting your Guidebook/ Passort stamped.

Question 11

Where are there toilet facilities along the route?

Accepted Answer

Helmsley has public toilets near the market square and next to the Long Stay Car Park. 
There are also public toilets at Rievaulx Abbey.

Question 12

Which part of the Trail is most suitable for children?

Accepted Answer

Stage 7, which is 4.5 miles long, has a stream with stepping stones and a conservation area for wild flowers beside them. There is a bench in Ashberry Wood to sit and rest or eat a picnic. At certain times of year you can see down to Rievaulx Abbey from the wood. You pass over an ancient stone Bridge and the River Rye is very picturesque. Rievaulx village, at the end of the Stage, is very pretty and Rievaulx Abbey is an amazing abbey ruin. If the cafe and shop are open when you arrive, there are obvious bonus points. The ice cream is delicious. Rievaulx Abbey

Question 13

Can I get a Guidebook for the Trail or a Pilgrim Passport at any of the churches?

Accepted Answer

You can get both Guidebooks and Pilgrim Passports in each church. Look for the St Aelred's Pilgrim Trail stand near the visitors book. There will be a cash box nearby, or use the QR code to pay.

Question 14

Is the route marked, or do I need a map?

Accepted Answer

The route is waymarked but PLEASE download the map for each Stage of the Trail before you attempt it- it quickly shows you if you have gone off the route. The Guidebook gives clear instructions and you can download and print each stage from the website, including helpful photos to guide you. For example Stage 1  
We are always glad of feedback to help us to improve.

This is our waymarker with the image of Rievaulx Abbey on a blue background.

The horse riding Trail has the same logo but with a picture of a horse.

Please follow the correct waymarker!

Question 15

Do you organise any group walks on the St Aelred's Pilgrim Trail?

Accepted Answer

We do organise group walks from time to time and they are well received and great fun! The walks are gathering walks and people join in at whichever church along the planned route allows favoured walking distance.
For example our Launch Walk in 2024 started at Hawnby and finished at Rievaulx Abbey (12 miles) but people joined also at Old Byland, (8 miles)  Scawton, (6 miles) Cold Kirby (4.5 miles) and St Mary the Virgin, Rievaulx/ Rievaulx Methodist chapel (400 metres).
Our next event will be a Lent Walk on March 9th with our new Bishop Barry and Archdeacon Amanda- we will be praying at several churches from Old Byland to Rievaulx Abbey. There will be news on the website soon.
Our Ride and Stride event for Yorkshire Churches Day will be in September 2025- news and arrangements will be on the website. If you would like to be included in our emailing for either event please contact
george.gyte@btinternet.com

Question 16

Is the Trail suitable for a charity fundraising walk?

Accepted Answer

We have had small groups doing parts of the Trail to raise money for specific charities- see our Blog section in the menu. We also know of other groups- some of children- who are planning fundraising walks. For advice please use our contact form and one of the pathfinders will be happy to talk about details and offer advice.

CONTACT US