Saint Aelred's Pilgrim Trail offers three wonderful ways to explore the North York Moors, with separate routes for walkers, cyclists and horse riders. Each takes people through beautiful countryside, historic villages and landscapes rich in natural and spiritual heritage.
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We're enormously grateful to the volunteers and enthusiasts who helped us develop these routes, particularly those who gave their time, expertise and local knowledge to establish our cycling and horse riding trails.
But creating the trails was only the beginning. Now we need your help to look after them and ensure they remain welcoming, safe and enjoyable for everyone who uses them.
Whether you're a regular walker, a keen cyclist, a horse rider or simply someone who loves this part of Yorkshire, we'd love you to get involved.
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Could you adopt a section of the Trail?
One of the most valuable ways to help is to adopt a section of one of our three trails.
You might already walk a particular path regularly, enjoy cycling a favourite stretch or ride along one of the bridleways. By keeping an eye on that section and letting us know about any problems, you could make a real difference.
We're looking for volunteers who would be willing to:
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Walk, cycle or ride their chosen section regularly.
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Check that signs and waymarkers are visible and in good condition.
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Look out for overgrown paths, damaged gates, obstructions or other difficulties.
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Report any problems so that we can work with the appropriate people to resolve them.
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Let us know about changes that might affect those following the route.
You wouldn't be expected to undertake repairs or maintenance yourself. Your local knowledge and regular observations would be invaluable in helping us identify where attention is needed.
You could adopt a section on your own, with a friend or as part of a walking, cycling or riding group.
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Could you help by travelling one of our trails regularly?
Perhaps you'd rather not commit to a particular section but would be happy to walk, cycle or ride one of our routes from time to time.
We'd love to hear from people willing to complete a trail, or part of one, periodically and give us feedback on its condition.
You could help us check that route descriptions remain accurate, identify places where navigation is difficult and tell us about anything that might improve the experience for future pilgrims.
It's a wonderful excuse to get outdoors, enjoy the countryside and help others discover it too.
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Other ways to volunteer
There are plenty of opportunities to help beyond looking after the routes themselves.
We also welcome volunteers who would enjoy supporting guided pilgrimages and events, welcoming visitors, sharing their knowledge of local history and wildlife, taking photographs, writing about their experiences or helping with publicity, fundraising and administration.
Whatever your interests or skills, we'd be pleased to hear from you.
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Why volunteer?
Volunteering with Saint Aelred's Pilgrim Trail is an opportunity to enjoy the countryside, meet new people and contribute to something that benefits our local communities and visitors alike.
You'll be helping to care for routes that connect people with the landscape, heritage and hospitality of the North York Moors.
And you'll be part of a growing community of people who want to see the Trail flourish for years to come.
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How much time would I need to give?
That's up to you. We're not asking for a fixed number of hours or days.
Some people may be able to check a section every few weeks, while others might manage a longer walk, ride or cycle a few times a year.
What matters is having people who are willing to help us keep an eye on the trails and share what they discover.
You don't need any particular qualifications or to be a person of faith. Just an interest in the Trail, an appreciation of the countryside and a willingness to help.
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Join our Trail Volunteers
Could you help us care for Saint Aelred's Pilgrim Trail?
Whether you'd like to adopt a section, regularly walk, cycle or ride one of our routes, or offer your help in another way, we'd love to hear from you.
Get in touch using our contact form and tell us which trail interests you, where you might be able to help and how you'd like to be involved.
Together we can ensure that Saint Aelred's Pilgrim Trail continues to be enjoyed by walkers, cyclists and horse riders for generations to come.
Get involved. Help us care for the Trail.