An all-age group of pilgrims will set off on Wednesday 30th August for a forty-three mile, five-day journey exploring the life of the influential seventh century Saint Hilda of Whitby.
Hilda is remembered as a woman of great energy, with such a reputation for wisdom that even kings and princes sought her advice, but she also had a concern for ordinary people.
2017 is the second year that the Diocese of York's Children and Youth Team has organised 'The Big Walk', a pilgrimage for all ages following the 'St Hilda's Way' route devised in 2015 by renowned Yorkshire walker and Christian Aid fundraiser John Eckersley of Flamborough.
The 43-mile route starts at Hinderwell, winds through the Esk Valley and finishes in Whitby Abbey. Each day's walking will begin with a time of worship and end at a church where a meal will be provided for the walkers, some of whom are staying in church halls while others are camping or have arranged local accommodation.
The 2017 journey is spread over five days:
- Wednesday 30th August: Hinderwell to Danby
- Thursday 31st August: Danby to Lealholm
- Friday 1st September: Lealholm to Egton
- Saturday 2nd September: Egton to Sneaton
- Sunday 3rd September: Sneaton to Whitby
There's a Facebook page at www.facebook.com/StHildasWayPilgrimage and you can see a video made on the 2016 walk at vimeo.com/199487993.