Yorkshire Churches Day Ride and Stride Gathering Architectural Trail on the Saint Aelred's Pilgrim Trail
Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, East Moors, Cowhouse Bank, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5HJ
The SAPT's Gathering Architectural Trail 2025 is a stunning 12 mile walk through scenic hills and dales in the North York Moors, visiting historic, rural churches built by the famous Victorian architect Temple Moore. It starts at the hidden Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, East Moors at 0830, leads, via Roppa Wood, to Baxtons Bank, Helmsley Moor, then follows the trail below Helmsley Moor before rising to Newgate Bank Car Park (for coffee, cakes, and toilets) and a beautiful view of Bilsdale. It crosses the B1257, drops down to the River Rye via the 1722 built Shaken Bridge, Hawnby, goes over to historic Tylas Farm (site of the original Byland Abbey) for lunch. From here the route follows the River Rye, before crossing the medieval Bow Bridge to visit the Victorian Rievaulx Methodist Chapel and the Church of Saint Mary the Virgin (formerly the slipper chapel to the Abbey, rebuilt by Temple Moore 1906). Here the route turns right up to the National Trust's Rievaulx Terrace, along field paths to Historic England's Griff Farm site before dropping down into Ryedale. Then up through the magnificent Duncombe Park with views overlooking Helmsley Castle and the Walled Garden into Helmsley town, finishing with a short service in All Saints Church, followed by tea and refreshments. Here the NLHF grant-funded plans for All Saints Church's conservation, and restoration of the Edwardian wall paintings will be displayed, and tours of the church led by our two Heritage Activities Officers.
Timings & Tours
- Saturday 13 September:
- 0830-1700
Location & directions
Church of Saint Mary Magdalene, East Moors, Cowhouse Bank, York, North Yorkshire, YO62 5HJ
- Directions:
- There is very limited parking here, so walkers are asked to park at the Cleveland Way Long Stay Car Park, Helmsley, at 8am where they will be transported to the Gathering Walk start at the hidden Church of Saint Mary Magdalene for an 8.30am start. This lies at the side of the Carlton to Bransdale Road, 4.5 miles north of Helmsley. The church's position is marked by a red telephone box at the roadside and a footpath leads to this beautiful little church. (Please contact [email protected]/ 07900 896739 for details). The Cleveland Way Long Stay Car Park is a short stroll from All Saints Church, Helmsley where the Gathering Walk finishes with a short service accompanied by the Bilsdale Silver Band, followed by refreshments.
- Contact on day:
- Mr George Gyte
- Telephone number:
- +447900896739
Booking information
- Pre-booking requirement:
- Pre-booking not required
Accessibility details
This is a Yorkshire Churches Day Ride and Stride event for the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust. Walkers and riders on this Gathering Architectural Trail visiting three of the churches built or rebuilt by the famous Victorian architect Temple Moore will be able to park in the Cleveland Way Long Stay Car Park, Helmsley and arrangements have been made to transport walkers to the start at East Moors for 8.30am. There is some limited parking along certain streets in Helmsley.
Additional information
This is a YHCT Ride and Stride Event. Walkers are encouraged to join at different stages so people can choose the distance they want to walk. Our timetable is: 1. Cleveland Way Long Stay Car Park 8am for transport to East Moors. 2. East Moors, leave at 0830 3. Newgate Bank Car Park arrive at 10am for coffee, cake and toilets. Leave at 1030 4. Tylas Farm arrive for lunch at 1230 leave at 1330 5. Rievaulx arrive at 1430 6. Helmsley arrive, via Duncombe Park, for the service in All Saints at 1600 accompanied by the Bilsdale Silver Band, followed by tea and refreshments.
- Est. tour duration:
- 8 hour(s) 0 minute(s)
