New walking trail links 12 historic moors churches

A 41-mile (65km) walking trail that links 12 churches in the North York Moors National Park will be officially launched this month.

The Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail starts and ends in the market town of Helmsley and includes eight Anglican churches, two Methodist chapels and the ruins of Rievaulx Abbey.

The signposted route passes through villages such Bilsdale, Hawnby, Old Byland, Scawton and Sproxton.

Organisers said it would open on Saturday 14 September with a "gathering walk", which would see walkers and horse riders follow a 12-mile stretch between Hawnby and Rievaulx.

Local artists have also been invited to display their work in each of the churches.

The trail was designed by members of the Upper Ryedale parish after a shorter loop they created in 2023, connecting five churches, proved popular.

They then secured funding from North Yorkshire Council for "waymarkers" that signpost the route for users to access independently.

A guidebook has also been produced to highlight historical points of interest along the way.

The trail has been named in honour of St Aelred, a monastic leader who was Abbot of Rievaulx Abbey from 1147-1167 and was said to have been a keen walker.

Reverend Melanie Burnside, vicar of the parishes of Helmsley and Upper Ryedale, said the churches along the new trail had been "part of the landscape and fabric of life here for hundreds of years".

Cyclists and horse riders can use the trail alongside those on foot.

Joel Brookfield, director of recreation and wellbeing for the North York Moors National Park, added: "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 councillor George Jabbour said the trail would showcase the town’s "vibrancy" and the area's beautiful churches.

He added: "It's been a pleasure to support and help facilitate this project, including securing council funding for the trail’s waymarking."

The inaugural guided walk sets off from Hawnby Church at 08:30 BST on 14 September.

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