Three modern pilgrimage routes linking village churches across rural parishes in North Yorkshire are to be officially launched in March.
Parishioners and visitors will be able to choose one of two seven-mile guided walks at the launch event at St Andrew’s Kirkby Malzeard on Saturday, March 21: the Fishers’ Way (a circular route between Kirkby Malzeard, Grewelthorpe, Hackfall Woods and Mickley) and the Curlew Way (another circular route between Kirkby Malzeard, Galphay, Winksley and Laverton).
A third route, the nine-mile Abbot’s Way, a circular walk between Winksley, Aldfield, Sawley and Studley Royal / Fountains Abbey was given a soft launch on Yorkshire Churches Day in September 2025.
On their return from the walks, pilgrims will receive a blessing from the Rt Revd Anna Eltringham, Bishop of Ripon, at a short service of Thanksgiving.
This will be followed by a celebratory reception, supported by Visit North Yorkshire, where those unable to complete the pilgrimage routes will also join them.
The Revd Andrew Cromarty, Fountains Ways Project Lead, said: “We are excited to be able to launch these three distinct, yet interlinking, pilgrimage routes across the Fountains Benefice in some of the most beautiful countryside in North Yorkshire.
“We hope that the combination of peaceful and welcoming churches, with ‘Church Explorer’ quests for the curious, attractive villages and breath-taking scenery, will cause many to enjoy the experience, and then choose to return.”
“Our hope and prayer is that these routes will bring thousands of folk into this area, to pause and ponder, to stay, and cause many to experience God either for the first time or in a deeper way.
“We're looking forward to welcoming and walking with pilgrims of all backgrounds!”
The Fountains Ways project has received funding and support from Visit North Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Council and from a local benefactor, and has cooperated closely with The Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust (YHCT) and The National Trust.
Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, North Yorkshire Councillor, said: “I'm delighted to have been able to support this very worthy project with the use of my NYC Locality Budget.
“Connecting churches will help bring communities together, and the routes will be particularly popular with visitors who want to get off the beaten track in this beautiful part of the world.”
To find out more about the pilgrimages and the launch event, please click here.