A Good Friday pilgrimage in Swaledale will take place with the help of members of Lighthouse, a Christian community for addicts, ex offenders and the homeless, based at St George’s Leeds.
The 13 mile walk will be led by Lighthouse Mission Priest, the Revd Jon Swales (right), who will make connections between Jesus' last hours and the vulnerable in society today, and he’ll be accompanied by some of the members of Lighthouse.
Jon says, “At each Station of the Cross we'll reflect on the Easter Story and how it's worked out in the lives of folks at Lighthouse.
"The day will have a theme of lament, because while Lighthouse has some fantastic stories of lives turned around, we’re often walking a very difficult path with people. Even though many 
have found Christ, in their recovery from addiction and chaos, they still have multiple and complex needs. (When people come off drugs, for example, it can expose underlying mental health issues.)
“But it’s very appropriate for Good Friday, because in the Christian story you can’t have glory without the cross. You can’t rush to the joy of Easter Sunday without staying with the pain that led up to it. So this will be an honest reflection on some of the costs of walking with Christ, who was well-acquainted with suffering.”
The walk will follow the old Corpse Way in this beautiful valley. All are invited to take part for all or some of the route (many catch up with the walk at lunchtime at Gunnerside). Children and dogs on a lead are most welcome.
Itinerary below.
The Good Friday walk is organised every year by Swaledale Christian Council.
- Brief stops to complete the readings of the Stations of the Cross are interspersed with the formal timed stops.
- Strong footwear and waterproof clothing required.
- The precise route is subject to change dependent on conditions on the day. If the weather is really bad the services will take place as advertised, but there will be no organised walk.
- For transport up or down the dale, please book a place. Contact Steve and Anne Ingham - 01748 886738 or email (there will be a small charge for transport).
8am Assemble for pre-booked communal transport at Grinton Church
8.10am Transport leaves for Keld
8.55 am Assemble at Keld URC for safety chat
9.00 am Short Service at Keld URC; leave 9.10 am
10.30am Service at St. Mary’s Muker, leave 11 am
12.30pm Gunnerside Methodist Church - lunch stop
1.10pm Short Service at Gunnerside Methodist Church
1.25pm Assemble
3.30pm Low Whita Bridge
5pm Arrive Grinton (hot cross buns)
5.30pm Service in St Andrew’s Grinton – retiring collection in aid of St George’s Crypt.
Post service – transport back up the dale, as far as Keld, as required.
Total mileage – 12.5 miles