Youlgrave: Walkers embark on pilgrimage to 42 cathedrals

Walkers aim to trek 10 million steps in a fundraising challenge to connect their village church with all 42 Anglican cathedrals in England.

They are embarking on the pilgrimage to raise funds to modernise the Grade I listed All Saints Church in Youlgrave, Derbyshire.

The self-styled Pommie Pilgrims have a fundraising target of £42,000.

The Reverend Adele Barker, priest of the White Peak and Youlgrave Benefice, said the task was a "huge challenge".

All Saints Church was founded in 1155 but lacks key amenities to ensure its sustainability and to make it more welcoming, the group said.

"Our hope to connect Youlgrave with each cathedral in the country via pilgrimage is a huge challenge," Rev Barker said.

"It will be interesting to hear all the stories that will flow from each journey.

"We have a beautiful church building, and all that is raised will be used to ensure that we can provide a warm welcome and hospitality in All Saints for many more years to come."

The first walkers will leave the church in Youlgrave on Sunday and aim to reach their first cathedral in Derby on Tuesday.

Future walks are planned later this year between cathedrals in Carlisle and Newcastle, Lincoln and Norwich, Liverpool and Chester, and Canterbury, Exeter and Truro.

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