Yorkshire Pilgrim Trails: Guided Monastic Walks
From Hike YorkshireGuided day walks and multi-day pilgrim trails across Yorkshire, following monks and pilgrims to Rievaulx, Fountains and Whitby abbeys. Open to everyone, with accommodation, luggage and transfers all organised.
About This Experience
In the Footsteps of the Monks
For more than a thousand years, people have walked across Yorkshire to its abbeys and holy places. Our guided pilgrim trails follow those routes, from a single day between an abbey and its village churches to journeys of a week or more. They are heritage walks, open to everyone, whether you come for the history, the landscape or time to think.
Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail
A 41 mile waymarked loop from Helmsley, over 3 to 4 days, linking the churches of Upper Ryedale with Rievaulx Abbey, founded by Cistercian monks in 1132.
Whitby Way
70 miles over 7 days, from York Minster to Whitby Abbey by way of Byland, Rievaulx and St Cedd’s Lastingham.
St Hilda’s Way
43 miles over 4 days, from the holy well at Hinderwell along the Esk Valley to Whitby Abbey.
Pilgrim Day Walks
Guided day walks from £49 per person, including Helmsley to Rievaulx Abbey, the Abbot’s Way past Fountains Abbey, and Mastiles Lane, the old road the monks of Fountains used to move their sheep.
We Organise Everything
Multi-day trails include local B&Bs or church accommodation by arrangement, breakfast and packed lunches, luggage transfers, and a guide every day or self-guided support. Airport transfers and station pick-ups can be arranged.
More Trails
Twelve multi-day trails and five day walks in total, including the Abbey Trail from Kirkstall to Whitby. See them all and request your dates on the website.
