Saint Aelred's Pilgrim Trail - a 3 or 4 day architectural adventure
All Saints Church, Church Street, Helmsley, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5AD
The Saint Aelred's Pilgrim Trail is an amazing trail dedicated to Saint Aelred in homage to his tenure as Abbot of Rievaulx (1147-1167), his love of walking, friendship, and building abbeys. This 41-mile trail, for walkers and riders, links three Saxon/Medieval treasures, one unique Elizabethan "mini cathedral" remodelled by the famous architect Temple Moore, three Victorian churches and the handsome and historic Church of All Saints, Helmsley all built or rebuilt by Temple Moore, and two Victorian/Edwardian Methodist Churches. They include the historic hamlet church of Saint Mary Magdalene, East Moors built by Temple Moore and celebrated with a poem written by the Poet Laureate John Betjeman, the Abbey slipper chapel rebuilt by Temple Moore into the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin, Rievaulx, the stunning Rievaulx Abbey, and the restored Elizabethan building of the Church of Saint Chad, Sproxton.
Each church showcases its architectural story, many will have exhibitions on this theme by local artists and several have architectural themed labyrinths to explore. For more information on each of our heritage churches visit our website and try our shorter family Petal Walks. Our challenge is to revitalise interest in our historic rural churches, their architecture, cultural heritage, and Christian mission in our rural communities. We aim to engage with people of all faiths and none who love walking, riding, the architectural story, and contemplation found on a pilgrimage trail.
Timings & Tours
Available anytime
Location & directions
All Saints Church, Church Street, Helmsley, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5AD
- Directions:
- The Trail begins and ends in the beautiful North Yorkshire market town of Helmsley, starting at the ancient Church of All Saints and linking Helmsley Methodist Church, Saint Mary Magdalene, East Moors, Saint John's, Bilsdale, All Saints, Hawnby, All Saints, Old Byland, Saint Mary's, Scawton, Saint Michael's, Cold Kirby, the Methodist Chapel, Rievaulx, Saint Mary the Virgin, Rievaulx, Rievaulx Abbey, and Saint Chad's, Sproxton - all historical, cultural and architectural treasures . It has a way-marked and signposted trail for walkers, as well as a separately way-marked and signposted trail for horse riders and another route for cyclists.
- Contact on day:
- Mr George Gyte
- Telephone number:
- +447900896739
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
Parking is available in the Cleveland Way Long Stay Car Park, Helmsley
Additional information
Helmsley, an a picturesque Yorkshire market town, with accommodation options for walkers and along the trail route. This is a self-guided walk, and walkers undertake this at their own risk. There is a 12-mile guided 'Gathering Architectural Trail' on Saturday 13th September, visiting the churches built and re-modelled by the famous Victorian architect Temple Moore. See separate event entry for more details. 12 - 14 September visit the Lottery funded All Saints Church, Helmsley Restoration and Preservation Project and take a tour led by Claire and Laura our two Heritage Activities Officers.
