A new Yorkshire trail as the pilgrimage rises in popularity
Walking pilgrimages have become increasingly popular in recent years, leading to new opportunities for those seeking a chance for contemplation or a challenge in the North.
Last year’s Christmas Day speech saw King Charles make pilgrimage one of the key themes, saying it was of particular significance for our modern world.
He said: “It is about journeying forward into the future while also journeying to remember the past and learn from its lessons.”
The British Pilgrimage Trust says for many, the appeal of pilgrimage lies not simply in the act of walking, but in walking towards the unknown in search of something meaningful.
A trust spokesman said: “At a time when many people feel divided from one another, pilgrimage can offer something quietly radical: common ground. By walking alongside others, sometimes alone, sometimes in silence and sometimes in conversation, people often find it easier to listen and connect.”
The trust has compiled a list of ten most popular pilgrimage routes in England, none of which pass through Yorkshire.
However, this year has seen the launch of the 41-mile Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail in the North York Moors National Park, adding to longer established routes such as the 33-mile St Alkelda's Way from Giggleswick to Middleham.
Today, a new pilgrimage led by the Bishop of Hull is due to set off to honour Saint Wilgils, a 7th century hermit who hailed from a village between York and Ripon and created a sanctuary at Spurn Point.
The seven-mile walk along the sand spit is the idea of Right Reverend Eleanor Sanderson, who will be joined by scores of others leaving Wildlife Trust’s Spurn Discovery Centre, near Kilnsea.
Local historian Phil Mathison will give a talk about St Wilgils before pilgrims set off.
It is hoped the pilgrimage will prove a calming experience and help increase awareness a saint whose role in spreading the faith in northern England during the Anglo-Saxon era is said to have been significant.
Event organiser, the Rev Philip West, of the South Holderness Deanery, said Wilgils had countered pagan Anglo-Saxon invaders pushing Christianity to England’s fringes.
The retired deanery priest, who started organising pilgrimages between South Holderness churches such as St Patrick’s in Patrington four years ago, said he wanted to increase awareness of St Wilgils’ work.
He said: "People find, discover themselves, discover something they need to discover when they walk, and especially if they're walking between holy places.
"So this is our little local attempt to emulate the big pilgrimages across the world, and it seems to work really well. For some, Spurn is holy ground – a saint made his home there.”