Walk the Way of Saint Aelred: Our first Small Group Guided Pilgrimage on the SAPT

“Blessed are those whose strength is in you, whose hearts are set on pilgrimage.” Psalm 84:5

What a lovely day our pilgrims enjoyed in Upper Ryedale and the East Moors on Saturday 9 May 2026.

The day began beneath light showers in the bucolic setting of the Church of All Saints, Hawnby, nestled beside the River Rye against the scenic backdrop of Hawnby Hill, Easterside, and Arden Moor. Reverend Ian Robinson welcomed the pilgrims and led our first reflection, including these words:

“Pilgrimage has never belonged to one faith. Carry prayers, blessings or rituals from your own tradition, whether religious, cultural or familial, and bring them with you. A blessing before crossing a threshold, a phrase repeated in a language from home. Feel free to use what you already know.”

The pilgrimage then made its way via Shaken Bridge and Broadway Foot to Newgate Bank, where pilgrims were rewarded with magnificent views down Bilsdale, alongside cheese scones, Yorkshire fruit cake with cheese, and very welcome hot coffee and tea.

From there, the route descended along forest tracks and moorland paths to the small and hidden Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, East Moors, where pilgrims admired Temple Moore’s remarkable architecture and painted wagon roof — later celebrated in verse by the Poet Laureate, John Betjeman.

After a splendid lunch of hot soup and rolls, sausage rolls, and quiche tarts, Kate Senior led the group in quiet and thoughtful reflections with poems and prayers.

The pilgrims then meandered through the beauty of Riccal Dale, where sweeping drifts of bluebells clothed the valley sides in a haze of sapphire blue, while bird cherry trees stood like sentries along the track, their almond-scented white blossom bright against the spring landscape. Truly, May is a lovely month.

Emerging from the glory of Riccal Dale, the group made its way to the idyllic market town of Helmsley and its “small cathedral”, the Church of All Saints, whose interior was also designed by Temple Moore. Pilgrims marvelled at its Arts and Crafts wall paintings, stained glass reflecting local history, rare hogsback tombstone, and noble west tower.

Welcomed by Reverend Mel with tea, strawberries and cream, and shortbread biscuits, the pilgrims were invited to undertake a final “pilgrimage around the church”, ending in the Chapel of Saint Aelred for moving reflections, poetry, and prayers.

At the close of the day, a group of deeply contented pilgrims exchanged wistful goodbyes before going their separate ways.

One pilgrim later wrote:

“Dear Pilgrims, lovely photo and lovely memories of a wonderful day. Thank you for making me so welcome, for the delicious food, for the reflections provided at the churches, and for such a well-organised walk. I hope to meet you again.” — Jill