Lent Pilgrimage Gathering Walk Saturday 14 March 2026

Next Saturday we gather for our Lent pilgrimage along part of the Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail, walking together through the beautiful churches and landscape of Upper Ryedale.

The day begins at 9.30am at All Saints, Old Byland, where pilgrims will gather for coffee and cake before setting out. As we walk between the churches there will be moments of prayer and reflection shaped around the Psalms.

During the day we will stop at St Mary’s, Scawton, St Michael’s, Cold Kirby, and St Mary’s, Rievaulx, before arriving together for a 4pm service in the nave of Rievaulx Abbey.

We are delighted that The Rt Revd Dr Andrew Rumsey, Bishop of Ramsbury, will be with us to open the pilgrimage and to lead the final service at the Abbey. Reflections along the route will also be offered by the Revd Andy Lindley, Methodist Circuit Superintendent, the Ven John Day, Growing Healthy Churches Adviser for the Diocese of York, and Revd Ian Robinson, who was the first pilgrim to walk the whole trail as a test route.

The day is shaped around the theme Praying the Psalms, allowing us to journey together with scripture as we walk.

Exhibition at All Saints, Helmsley

Alongside the pilgrimage we are also hosting a special exhibition at All Saints’ Church, Helmsley.

Dreaming and Wandering: exploring the sacred places of North Yorkshire is an exhibition of paintings and drawings by Stephen Bird, inspired by sacred places across the county and celebrating the Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail.

The exhibition is openFriday 13 March – Sunday 15 March9am – 4pmat All Saints’ Church, Helmsley.

An Evening with Bishop Andrew Rumsey

On Saturday evening the day continues with a special concert at All Saints’ Church, Helmsley.

Andrew Rumsey Live begins at 7.30pm, when Bishop Andrew will perform songs from his recent albums. Tickets are £15 per person, including a glass of wine.

For ticket information please emailsaintaelredspilgrimtrail@gmail.com