A new 41-mile National Park trail honouring a 12th Century saint and linking 12 churches will be launched next week
The pilgrim trail is set to mark the midpoint of the North York Moors National Park’s Mindful Month.
Opening on Saturday, September 14, the trial honours the 12th Century monastic leader Saint Aelred and his message of friendship.
A keen walker, Saint Aelred - former Abbot of Rievaulx Abbey - wrote of the importance of having friends to turn to during troubled times and sharing happy moments, something particularly pertinent to combating modern mental health struggles.
Beginning and ending in Helmsley, the trail through dales, moorland, and farmland connects two churches in Helmsley with ten other historic rural places of worship. It should take visitors an estimated three to four days to complete.
Joel Brookfield, director of recreation and wellbeing for the North York Moors National Park said: “It will help enrich people’s enjoyment of the North York Moors, guide them to discover new places and simply provide another way for them to relax and unwind.”
The North York Moors National Park is also launching The Gathering Walk, a shorter, 12-mile stretch of the trail that will see exhibitions prepared by local artists within each of the churches between Hawnby and Rievaulx.
Among the installations is a labyrinth created by artist Peter Green on the village green at Old Byland, as well as a display of photographic portraits by Valerie Mather for her project Yorkshire Born & Bred: Farming Life.
There will also be an eight-foot high embroidery display by Helmsley Arts Group depicting various belongings that walkers and cyclists would have including a rucksack, compass, map and bike.
This modern pilgrimage is open to all, and aims to boost wellbeing and an exploration of the National Park.
Reverend Melanie Burnside, vicar of the parishes of Helmsley and Upper Ryedale said: “We want to offer opportunities for walkers, riders and cyclists to take time out of their busy lives, to exercise, to pause, to reflect for the benefit of their physical, mental and spiritual wellbeing in our beautiful part of the world.”
A guidebook will be provided to visitors to highlight points of interest along the way. Those who complete all 41 miles will receive a pilgrim passport.
For details on registration, visit www.saintaelredspilgrimtrail.com For more information on the North York Moors National Park’s Mindful Month, visit www.northyorkmoors.org.uk/mindfulmonth
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