Gather Church Teesdale

18/07/2026

Photos from our pilgrimage day in upper Teesdale.

18/07/2026

Another fabulous day walking in beautiful Teesdale in preparation for our Camino in September. Great conversations along the way and perfect weather allowed us to enjoy the beauty of the dales and get the training in to make sure we are physically and mentally ready for the challenge ahead.
If you would like to join us on Camino from 4th September then do get in touch.

09/07/2026

A very special day of restoration, quietness and drawing from nature as Gather Church Teesdale partnered once more with The Hearth- The Auckland Project for a day of pilgrimage.
Time spent in the beautiful Paradise Garden, St Peters Chapel, The Spanish Art Gallery and Deer Park allowed space and quiet for us to reflect on our own personal stories.
We thought about what and who had shaped us growing up, the season we are in now and where God might be leading us in the future.
A real blessing for all who came along.

07/07/2026

This Saturday's Pilgrimage: Warkworth to Cresswell, one of the best stretches of the Northumberland coast and around 15km.

We'll set off from the castle, sea on one side the whole way, dunes and long sand carrying us south towards Cresswell. The best part of a day on our feet — plenty of time to talk, plenty of time to just walk and let the wind do its work.

A good number of the group walking on Saturday are deep in preparation for our Camino in September — building up the miles, breaking in the boots, getting used to a full day's walking before the real thing. But this one's for everyone, not just those heading to Spain so do consider coming along for this very special route. Whether you've got a big Pilgrimage ahead of you or you've never walked further than the school run, you're welcome to give it a go.

We're also really looking forward to walking alongside the Newcastle Cathedral group this time — new faces, new conversations, and a good reminder that we're part of something bigger than just our own patch of Teesdale; in such a storied part of the world in the area below Lindisfarne.

There'll be plenty of new faces all round on Saturday, so don't worry about feeling out of place — everyone starts as a new face somewhere.

10am–5pm is the plan. We may be able to help with car sharing if you get in touch. Fancy joining us? Email [email protected] if you'd like to join Gather's group attending this pilgrimage and come and walk with us.

29/06/2026

We were delighted to share in the celebration at Durham Cathedral on Saturday when our former Gather Church co-lead Claire Mead was ordained as priest. We continue to pray for her as she serves and ministers as curate in All Saints Stranton and St Lukes Hartlepool.

15/06/2026

Gather Church welcomed 8 Ordinands-In-Training from St Johns College, Cranmer Hall, Durham University for a taster day of Pilgrimage.
Pilgrimage is all about journeying with God and being open to receive from Him; often having opportunity to lay down worries and burdens as we walk. It can be messy with pain, blisters, weariness and wet weather (which we experienced across the day) but can bring fresh renewal to mind and spirit.
Despite the rain we enjoyed a 2 hour walk through the grounds and woods of Raby Castle, sharing reflections and stories as we walked. Unexpected delights and challenges along the way added to our experience.
The students were invited to consider how Pilgrimage might feed into their missional activities in the churches where they will serve. Good conversation and sharing of thoughts brought the day to an end.
Thanks to Raby Castle for their generosity in welcoming us.

10/06/2026

Our Buttermere retreat was all about journeying with others and being renewed in mind and spirit.
The joy of being in a beautiful place, where stillness, peace and the grandeur of creation allowed the soul to breathe, the mind to quieten and the busyness of life to be left behind.
Fellowship time around the lakeside allowed us to think about fears and worries that we could hand over to the Lord.
The story of the healing of the cripple led us to think about brokenness and how God speaks into the lives of those who have lost hope and feel unloved. Healing is often seen on the inside.
We saw through the uprooted trees in nature that there can be beauty in decay and brokenness.
We left knowing we had spent time with friends and with God. We were blessed and refreshed.
Might you join us next time?

07/06/2026

Gather just spent an incredible few days tucked away in Buttermere for our Gather Church retreat. Time slowed down. We walked the fells, shared deep conversations around the table, and enjoyed being together in fellowship.

It's rare to get that kind of space to rest and reconnect and we are so thankful for the company and for everyone who decided to turn up and share their journey with us.

This was just the start and its looking an exciting year for Gather. We're already planning several more pilgrimages (July, August - and retreats for later this year). We'll share more details about our Buttermere trip and what's coming up later this week, so watch this space.

05/06/2026

GATHER is just arriving at our first retreat of the Summer season at Buttermere this weekend - and for a third year in a row it is beginning in sunshine!

Looking forward to meeting all our retreat attendees for our shared meal and discussion of God's Word lakeside tonight, and in sharing time together on pilgrimage over the weekend.

If you'd like to join us for a future retreat, pilgrimage day, or our September Camino then do get in touch via message or reply to this comment as we are always glad to meet new people interested in how church can look on the move!

03/06/2026

Gather Church Teesdale Pilgrimage Day in Bishop Auckland on Friday 3rd July 2026 in partnership with The Hearth is open for registration. Here's the link to this free event including lunch and guide:

Venture beyond County Durham as you know it, to discover the surprising story of Bishop Auckland. Enrich your mind, body and spirit with a feast of history, nature and art, in the knowledge that your day or stay will make a difference to this once forgotten, historic town.