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 Two: Belford to Seahouses
On 11 April, pilgrims will walk from Belford to Seahouses. Meet at St Mary's Belford at 10am for a short Service of the Word before setting off.
There is plenty of street parking near both the starting point of St Mary's Belford NE70 7LS and the end point of St Paul's Seahouses NE68 7TT. Transport is not provided for this stage so please arrange with a fellow pilgrim or pilgrims to share lifts with at least one person leaving their car at the end point and another at the start point.
Snacks, water, lunch, and sensible clothes are advised.
Please contact Dean of Newcastle, Lee Batson dean@newcastlecathedral.org.uk before Wednesday 8 April to let him know if you plan to join the group so we can get an idea of numbers. If you are struggling to arrange your own transport, please do speak to Lee about this.
Stage One: Holy Island to Belford
On 7 March, around 40 pilgrims walked from Holy Island to Belford following a short open air Eucharist Service where Bishop Helen-Ann presided. A beautiful day of fellowship, prayer and meaningful conversation.
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