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York Mini Pilgrimage (YHA Walking Festival)
Join the British Pilgrimage Trust's Director and Co-Founder Dr Guy Hayward on this special event for the YHA's Festival of Walking. This 1-day 6 mile pilgrimage around the city of York explores some of its most well known, and most secret places of pilgrimage.
York was founded in 71AD when Cerialis and the Roman Ninth Legion constructed a military fortress between the Rivers Ouse and Foss; they named the place Eboracum meaning Yew, a sacred Celtic tree. Viking influences can still be detected with Guthrum, a Viking leader, and Guthrumgate, which derives from the Old Norse ‘gata’ meaning road or way. So in York today the gates are streets/ways, and the Bars are the Gates into the ‘Old City’.
Through York’s various ages, there have been many diverse religious beliefs of its inhabitants. You will become at one with them as you walk in their footsteps through their streets. From a pagan belief in deities to the Anglo Saxon conversion to Christianity that had an enormous social and cultural impact, and Jewish struggles at Clifford's Tower and later Reformation tragedy, as evoked by Margaret Clitherow's Shrine. And of course, the building of the magnificent York Minster later yet alongside the ruins of St Mary’s Abbey. On this journey something of all these historical ages of life in the City will be covered, their beliefs, sufferings and joys. And traditional folk and sacred songs will be sung to bring this history alive.
The journey concludes with complimentary cake and cuppa at the YHA.
Date and time
About this event
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Water End, Clifton, York YO30 6LP
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The Avebury Pilgrimage was a joyful experience. Guy brought wonder and deep connection to the group experience. The other pilgrims were warm, fun and willing to surrender to this rich experience of movement, landscape, the past and the unseen world all around us. Thank you Guy!
Laura
My favourite part was walking in silence and being able to just concentrate on the purpose of my pilgrimage without the noise and baggage of life getting in the way. Abigail was a wonderful guide. She was thoughtful and brought a calm and sense of spiritual purpose to the day. I absolutely loved the walk.
Tamsin
Many good moments but two things stand out: Chalice Well and the impromptu singing of a wassail song on the way up Glastonbury Tor, by an apple orchard. It was cold yet rather lovely to do a pilgrimage in the frost. Informed and engaging guide. Friendly and supportive fellow pilgrims. Such a good ethos.
Susan
I loved walking through the countryside and the fascinating sights such as the church mill and barrow. The lanterns were lovely too and the Wassail singing and cake were a lovely touch. The arrival at Canterbury was spectacular. It was a lovely day and Dawn is a terrific guide.
Sally
Sally
Dawn was absolutely brilliant. Brought the group together and was so knowledgeable . Really warm individual and so caring. Just an amazing experience all round. Can't thank you enough for the experience.
Stuart
Pilgrim
My favourite part was Dawn singing to us by Kits Coty - sublime when the sun came out for us at the end of the song. Dawn has a lovely sincerity and her singing was wonderful. Also the Canon’s pilgrim’s blessing In Winchester Cathedral was an unexpected and perfect end to the day
Alexandra
I enjoyed listening to Guy's singing in the different settings - enhanced the experience and linked us to the past. The whole day was beautifully facilitated with a perfect balance of history overview, time for reflection and walking. It was very special - thank you so much!
Jo
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What our pilgrims say
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