Artists have helped celebrate the launch of a new pilgrim’s trail in the North York Moors that honours a 12th century saint whose message on friendship still resonates today.
The 41-mile Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim trail, which links the 12 churches in the Benefice of Helmsley and Upper Ryedale, officially launched on Saturday 14 September, midway through the North York Moors National Park’s Mindful Month.
The trail has been created to honour Aelred, a monastic leader who was Abbot of Rievaulx Abbey from 1147-1167. He was a keen walker and author who wrote ‘On Spiritual Friendship’ in which he highlights the importance of having friends to turn to during troubled times, as well as sharing happy moments.
As well as a Gathering Walk, when people and horse riders followed a 12-mile stretch of the trail between Hawnby and Rievaulx, the September launch has also seen local artists delivering exhibitions and installations within each of the churches.
Among the art on display is 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. There is also a labyrinth created by artist Peter Clark on the village green at Old Byland; and a display of photographic portraits by Valerie Mather for her project Yorkshire Born & Bred: Farming Life.
Kirkbymoorside photographer Gareth Jenkins and artist Libby Pearson have produced a collection called ‘Voices of the Moors’, recording interviews with people who have a connection to the churches and local area, and documenting their lives through photographs.
The trail is open to all, regardless of their faith, in a bid to make it a modern-day pilgrimage, helping to boost people’s wellbeing as they connect with fellow pilgrims and the local community while discovering beautiful stretches of the National Park and historic churches. Soon, a waymarked version of the trail utilising the network of bridleways, will open up the pilgrimage to horse riders and cyclists.
Beginning and ending in Helmsley, the trail threads through the dales, moorland and farmland along existing rights of way, linking the two churches in the market town with 10 other historic rural places of worship at East Moors, Bilsdale, Hawnby, Old Byland, Scawton, Cold Kirby, three in Rievaulx including the Abbey, and Sproxton.
A guidebook also highlights historical points of interest along the way, whether it’s the Viking hogback gravestone in The Church of All Saints in Helmsley; discovering the tiny Church of Saint Mary Magdalene on East Moors; or seeing the Slipper Chapel in the Church of Saint Mary at Rievaulx (so-called because pilgrims would remove their boots and put on slippers). A pilgrim passport will also be in the offing for those completing all 41 miles.
Reverend Melanie Burnside, Vicar of the parishes of Helmsley and Upper Ryedale comments: “The churches of the trail have been part of the landscape and fabric of life here for hundreds of years. We are hoping that pilgrims and visitors will rediscover them and how they tell the story of our faith in Jesus here in the North, joining in with the Archbishop of York's campaign inspired by our Northern Saints that offers 'light from the past and hope for the future'.
“We also 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. If it leads people to questions of faith or doubt, we are here to walk with them on their journey.”
Joel Brookfield, Director of Recreation and Wellbeing for the North York Moors National Park adds: “The trail is a fantastic resource to have as it brings together much of what makes the National Park so special – in particular the contrasting and spectacular scenery, our strong cultural heritage and the welcoming communities. 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.”
Helmsley’s representative on North Yorkshire Council, Councillor George Jabbour, said: “Saint Aelred’s Trail will be an excellent way for people to become more engaged with this stretch of the North York Moors. Not only will it showcase Helmsley’s market town vibrancy but also the beautiful churches which are historic gems.
“It has been a pleasure to support and help facilitate this project, including securing North Yorkshire Council funding for the trail’s waymarking. I am thrilled that after months of hard work on the part of everyone, this project has come to fruition.”
The North York Moors National Park’s Mindful Month runs throughout September with a programme of events highlighting the experiences, businesses and places to visit where people can unwind after a whirlwind summer by using the beautiful natural surroundings in the National Park to relax and recharge. For more information CLICK HERE
