Exciting plans are in place for Yorkshire Churches Day on Saturday, September 13, which is a chance for people of all ages, backgrounds, and interests to explore the region’s places of worship and celebrate their rich architectural and cultural heritage.
One of the key highlights of this year’s event, organised by the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust, will be the launch of the new Abbots’ Way, the first of three proposed “Fountains Ways – Ancient Paths for Modern Pilgrims”, currently being prepared by a small team in The Fountains Benefice in our Ripon Episcopal Area, and to be launched formally by Easter 2026, with the support of North Yorkshire Tourism.’
The “Abbots’ Way” aims to get people out walking in the Nidderdale area and visiting four rural churches located in the Fountains Benefice.
These include William Burges’ famous St Mary’s Church, Studley Royal (in the Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Gardens UNESCO World Heritage Site), St Michael and All Angels, Sawley, St Cuthbert and St Oswald, Winksley, and St Lawrence, Aldfield.
This 9-mile route, to be taken at a gentle pace, will start at 10.30am on the green at Sawley, near Ripon, and return there at the finish, at about 3.30pm.
Revd Andrew Cromarty, Associate Priest in the Benefice of Fountains, said: “I am privileged to have helped draw together a highly capable project group, through whom this idea has taken shape and gained traction.” 
Tom Ramsden, chairman of the Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust (YHCT) said: “These pilgrimages offer a unique opportunity to enjoy both the peace and beauty of the Yorkshire countryside and the depth of heritage found in its churches. Taking part helps these churches as well as simply being good for the soul. Please help celebrate Yorkshire’s churches and enjoy the day”.
Find out more about other walks on Yorkshire Churches Day here.