PILGRIMS from the three congregations of the Castleberg benefice completed a four-day pilgrimage along the St Alkelda's Way from Ribblesdale to Wensleydale.
Vicar, the Rev Julie Clarkson was amongst eight who walked the whole 33 miles, setting off from St Alkelda's Church, Giggleswick last Wednesday, and arriving in St Alkelda's, Middleham, four days later. Kathleen Kinder, who wrote the St Alkelda's Way guide, following her extensive research into the life and death of St Alkelda, was amongst those who saw the pilgrims off at the start, and also joined them in Middleham for Sunday's Holy Communion service.
They were also joined by local clergy for prayers along the way - Rev Sue McWhinney in Malham; Rev Tom Lusty in Conistone, and husband and wife, Rev Jeff Payne and Rev Elizabeth Moody in Horsehouse and Middleham. For the first two days, the pilgrims enjoyed glorious September sunshine; there was also harvest festival and supper in Horsehouse and a picnic lunch with the bellringers at Coverham Church followed by a tour of Coverham Abbey.
On the final stretch, they were joined by soon to be 90 years old, Dan Bavington and Ruth, who were determined to walk from Coverham, up over Middleham Moor and down to St Alkelda's, Middleham for a communion service led by Rev Julie Clarkson.
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