Posted on: 21st August 2025

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 – Ancient Paths for Modern Pilgrims, in our Ripon Episcopal Area.

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.”

The Abbots’ Way, part of the Fountains Way, aims to get people out walking in the glorious Nidderdale area, visiting four beautiful rural churches located in the Fountains Benefice.

These include William Burges’ famous St Mary’s, Studley Royal, by Fountains Abbey and starting and finishing at Sawley, near Ripon, this nine mile route takes in St Michael and All Angels, St Mary's Studley Royal, St Cuthbert and St Oswald, Winksley and St Lawrence, Aldfield.

Read more, and find out about other walks on Yorkshire Churches Day here.