10/09/2026
Dear Friends,
This is a final reminder and warm invitation to join us on Saturday 12 September for our Saint Aelred's Pilgrim Trail Ride & Stride Gathering Event. My AccuWeather App is still forecasting 18C some sunshine and mostly cloudy. Rain probability 25%. It has time to change, so packing a lightweight water proof will be a good move. Please see the attached poster for details and arrangements.
The past few weeks have been an exciting time for the Trail. The announcement of the National Lottery Heritage Fund Development Grant for our repurposing of the Closed Church in Cold Kirby into the Saint Michael’s Lodge Project has brought encouragement and renewed momentum to our work, and we have been deeply grateful for the many messages of support we have received.
Yet the heart of the Saint Aelred's Pilgrim Trail has always been people: those who walk, horse ride, cycle, pray, explore, volunteer, and share in the vision of reconnecting communities, heritage, landscape, and faith across Ryedale and beyond.
Our Ride & Stride Gathering offers an opportunity to come together, celebrate what has been achieved, and look ahead to the next stage of the journey. Whether you are a long-standing supporter, a church member, a volunteer, a pilgrim, or simply curious to learn more about the Trail, we would be delighted to welcome you. Please bring a packed lunch to eat at Tylas Farm. I’m happy to carry these in the Land Rover. The Gathering Walk will be led by Joyce, Mal, and Ian , and they will be carrying first aid kits. Water will be available at our stopping points and in the Land Rover.
All arrangements for those horse riding on the day can be found on the Ryedale Bridleways Group page: https://www.facebook.com/p/Ryedale-Bridleways-Group-100057602291310/
At this event, we will be raising sponsorship for the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust and, as mentioned above, supporting the SAPT’s new project - Saint Michael’s Lodge at Cold Kirby. This is a Gathering event open to all, but if you can donate, please visit the YHCT’s Peoples Fundraising website:
https://www.peoplesfundraising.com/donation/saint-aelred-s-pilgrim-trail-september-2026?utm
Many of you appreciate the work that the YHCT undertakes every year through its grants to Yorkshire churches. We are asking you to support this important charity again, as well as the repurposing mission we have undertaken with our project at the closed church at Cold Kirby.
For those who want a lift to the start in Hawnby please meet in the Long Stay car park, Helmsley at 9am near the toilets. That way your cars will be where we finish in Helmsley for our final service in All Saints Church. If you haven’t done already, please let me know if you wish to have a lift.
The day will be an opportunity to:
Enjoy the stunning countryside of the North York Moors, the quiet beauty of our heritage churches and the grandeur of Rievaulx Abbey.
Meet fellow supporters and friends of the Trail.
Enjoy fellowship, conversation, and encouragement for the journey ahead.
Celebrate recent achievements.
Hear about plans for the next phase of the project.
The Trail has come this far because many people have shared in its vision and contributed their time, energy, and goodwill. We hope you will be able to join us as we take the next steps together.
