York Minster

Pilgrims' Progress - Day 5

Published Friday 15th June 2007 by Martin Chapman

Grateful for their overnight accommodation and heartened by news of a generous contribution to their fund from friends in Helmsley the pilgrims' day started with a short service, led by the Revd David Wilbourne, in St Columba's Chapel within All Saints Church where the Victorian wall paintings depict an earlier pilgrimage by Aiden and Oswald through the North of England.

The Walkers emerged from the church in to heavy rain which was to persist throughout the day. Some 19 pilgrims, friends and supporters - including David Wilbourne and his wife - set off on the Cleveland Way to Rievaulx. The route passed Griff Lodge, along Whinny Bank and through Abbot Hag Wood to Rievaulx Bridge, with views of the Abbey under low misty cloud. Leaving the Cleveland Way the pilgrims followed the track up Caythwaite Rigg and across Scawton Moor to the A170. Sparse shelter was to be found for the picnic lunch and the walkers were soon on their way again through the wooded Wass Moor and then, down Wass Bank, to Wass. From there, over the fields to Byland Abbey and on to Coxwold with the very welcome prospect of dry clothes and a hot meal at the Faucenberg Arms.

Much of the day's walk was through high, long and very wet grass making it very arduous going. The conditions tested the stamina and resolve of the pilgrims who all emerged cheerful, tired and very wet at the end of an eleven mile ordeal.