As part of our 'Year of Sharing', the Diocese of Newcastle is delighted to be launching its very own pilgrimage route, St Aidan’s Way. From the ‘first cathedral’ on Holy Island, to the ‘new cathedral’ in Newcastle, we’re looking forward to walking in the footsteps of St Aidan, with opportunities to reflect on his role as peacemaker.
The journey will be split into eight stages, the first of which will take place on 7 March 2026.
- Stage One: 7 March | Holy Island to Belford (21km)
- Stage Two: 11 April | Belford to Seahouses (16km)
- Stage Three: 2 May | Seahouses to Craster (16km)
- Stage Four: 6 June | Craster to Warkworth (21km)
- Stage Five: 11 July | Warkworth to Cresswell (17km)
- Stage Six: 11 August | Cresswell to Ashington (24km)
- Stage Seven: 12 September | Blyth to Tynemouth (15km)
- Stage Eight: 31 October | Tynemouth to Newcastle (19km)
Stage One: Holy Island to Belford
On 7 March, pilgrims will walk from Holy Island to Belford following a short 10.30am open air Eucharist Service at the mainland end of the poles where Bishop Helen-Ann will preside. All are very welcome to join for service, walk or both.
Snacks, water, lunch, sensible clothes and a small towel are advised.
Due to tide times, please meet at 8.30am at St Mary’s Belford, leaving your own car there. There will be a coach leaving Belford from the Blue Bell Hotel at 8.30am to transport pilgrrims to Holy Island in time for the Eucharist Service. Due to travel arrangements, it would be particularly helpful to know numbers in advance. Please contact the Revd Sarah Hills to confirm your attendance (by 25th February) or to ask any questions at incumbentholyisland@gmail.com.