Posted on: 12th March 2026

Parishioners and visitors will be able to choose one of two seven-mile guided walks at the launch event at St Andrew’s Kirkby Malzeard on Saturday, March 21: the Fishers’ Way (a circular route between Kirkby Malzeard, Grewelthorpe, Hackfall Woods and Mickley) and the Curlew Way (another circular route between Kirkby Malzeard, Galphay, Winksley and Laverton).

A third route, the nine-mile Abbot’s Way, a circular walk between Winksley, Aldfield, Sawley and Studley Royal / Fountains Abbey was given a soft launch on Yorkshire Churches Day in September 2025.

On their return from the walks, pilgrims will receive a blessing from the Rt Revd Anna Eltringham, Bishop of Ripon, at a short service of Thanksgiving.

This will be followed by a celebratory reception, supported by Visit North Yorkshire, where those unable to complete the pilgrimage routes will also join them.

The Revd Andrew Cromarty, Fountains Ways Project Lead, said: “We are excited to be able to launch these three distinct, yet interlinking, pilgrimage routes across the Fountains Benefice in some of the most beautiful countryside in North Yorkshire. 

“We hope that the combination of peaceful and welcoming churches, with ‘Church Explorer’ quests for the curious, attractive villages and breath-taking scenery, will cause many to enjoy the experience, and then choose to return.”

“Our hope and prayer is that these routes will bring thousands of folk into this area, to pause and ponder, to stay, and cause many to experience God either for the first time or in a deeper way. 

“We're looking forward to welcoming and walking with pilgrims of all backgrounds!”

Read more here