Adventurers’ Journey on the St Aelred Pilgrim Trail

The morning sun glistened across the rolling hills of Bilsdale as we laced our boots and prepared to embark on a journey unlike any other. The air was unusually mild for October, but a palpable energy coursed through us as Mum, my son, and I arrived at the historic All Saints Church in Helmsley. Our hearts swelled with purpose, knowing that our steps on the St Aelred Pilgrim Trail (SAPT) would raise funds for Growing Hope, a charity supporting children with special educational needs. This was no ordinary walk; it was the first fundraiser of its kind on this newly opened trail—a path paved with faith and determination.  

As we stood before All Saints Church, the starting point of our pilgrimage, I couldn’t help but marvel at its timeless beauty, a testament to the enduring spirit of worship and devotion. With our SAPT passports stamped, we set off to conquer the trail, guided not by GPS or maps but solely by the notes within those little booklets. It felt like stepping back into a simpler time, embracing the challenge of navigating by faith and instinct.  

The path to St Mary Magdalene Church, East Moor, proved more demanding than we anticipated. Somewhere along the way, a missed turn sent us on an unexpected detour. Though our spirits wavered briefly, divine intervention seemed to smile upon us when a kind soul offered us a lift to our final destination of the day, St John the Evangelist’s Church in Bilsdale.  

As the day gave way to dusk, we returned to Coniser Farm, where the crackle of a log fire and the warmth of Yorkshire hospitality awaited us. Our gracious hosts, Fiona and Stephen, treated us to hearty meals and shared stories that made us feel like family. Their generosity was a blessing that fortified us for the days ahead.  

Day Two greeted us with a crisp breeze, a reminder of autumn’s gentle embrace. Departing from St John the Evangelist’s Church, we crossed the enchanting Ladhill Valley, the landscape unfolding like a painter’s masterpiece. Each step brought us closer to All Saints Church in Hawnby, where we paused to soak in its serene presence. Though tempted by the cosy allure of The Owl Public House, we pressed on, our resolve firm as we neared the end of another arduous day.  

Our final morning began with a moment of simple joy—feeding the ducks on the farm, their carefree chatter a delightful contrast to the epic journey we’d undertaken. With renewed vigour, we set out from St Mary’s Church in Scawton, altering our route to ensure a grand finale at the majestic Rievaulx Abbey.  

As we approached the Abbey, its ancient walls seemed to rise from the earth like a hymn frozen in stone. The kind staff at English Heritage welcomed us in, their generosity a fitting end to our pilgrimage. Within the Abbey’s sacred embrace, we felt the weight of history and the presence of God, a reminder of the divine thread that weaves through every step of our lives.  

That evening, as we rested our tired feet and reflected on the journey, a deep sense of gratitude washed over us. We had faced the unexpected, witnessed breathtaking beauty, and met extraordinary kindness along the way. By God’s grace, we achieved our fundraising goal of £500, a sum that will help Growing Hope bring much-needed support to children with special needs, including a new clinic in York in 2025.  

The St Aelred Pilgrim Trail tested our endurance and deepened our faith. It was more than a walk—it was a testament to the strength found in community, the beauty of creation, and the power of purpose.  

Claudine Pelser