Saddle Up for a New Chapter in the Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail

Oct 20

2 min read

Sunday 2 November – Launch of the Horse Riders’ Route at Rievaulx Abbey

The Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail is taking a major new stride forward — or perhaps we should say trot! We’re thrilled to announce the launch of a brand-new circular Horse Riders’ Route, developed in partnership with Ryedale Bridleways Group and supported by the British Horse Society.

After months of careful planning, mapping and testing, the Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail Horse Riders’ Guidebook has just been published. This beautifully illustrated 50-mile route invites riders to journey through the heather moors, valleys and villages of the North York Moors, linking nine historic churches and the magnificent ruins of Rievaulx Abbey.

To celebrate this milestone, we’re holding a Launch Event Celebration at Rievaulx Abbey on Sunday 2 November, where Peter Wright, star of Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet, will officially cut the ribbon at 11.30am to open the trail.

Our thanks go to Gemma Jones, James Gray, and all at English Heritage Rievaulx Abbey for their generous help and support — and to the celebrated North Yorkshire photographer Val Mather, recently returned from Yellowstone, who will be photographing the ride and the event.

Programme for the Day

10.00am: Gather in Old Byland on the Village Green (horse trailers and boxes to be parked on the hardstanding and green verges near Manor Farm – with thanks to Joyce and Joe Garbutt).

10.30am: Riders set off for a leisurely trek to Rievaulx Abbey via Tylas Barn, Tylas Farm, and Bow Bridge.

11.30am: Ribbon-cutting at Rievaulx Abbey by Peter Wright (The Yorkshire Vet).

12 noon: Coffee and pasty in the Abbey grounds.

1.00pm: Return ride to Old Byland via Rievaulx Bridge, Ashberry Farm, Reins Farm, Low Gill and High Gill.

2.00pm: Arrival back in Old Byland village.

Copies of the new Horse Riders’ Guidebook will be available to buy on the day, priced at £5.

For Walkers Too!

If you prefer walking boots to riding boots, join Joyce Garbutt and Mal Gyte for a relaxed Sunday morning walk from Old Byland to Rievaulx, setting off at 10.30am and arriving in time for the ribbon-cutting at 11.30am. You can wander back at your own pace afterwards via the road or the footpaths.

Join Us

Whether you’re on horseback, on foot, or just coming along for the coffee and craic in the Abbey grounds, you’re warmly invited to share in this special occasion.