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 Eight: Tynemouth to Newcastle
On 31 October, pilgrims will walk the final stage of St. Aidan’s Way – starting at Holy Saviour Tynemouth at 10am, stopping for lunch at St Peter’s Wallsend between 1-1.30pm and arriving at Newcastle Cathedral around 4pm where we will finish the pilgrimage with a Eucharist.
The nearest car park is in Dean Street in Newcastle for anyone wishing to leave a car in the city before heading to Tynemouth by Metro. If you’d like to come along or have any questions, please do get in touch with the Dean of Newcastle, Lee Batson at: dean@newcastlecathedral.org.uk
Stage Seven: Blyth to Tynemouth
On 12 September our pilgrims walked the penultimate stage of their journey, from St Cuthbert's in Blyth to Holy Saviour Tynemouth. A wonderful day of opportunities for fellowship, reflection and prayer, while walking together through the beauty of God’s creation.
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Stage Six: Cresswell to Ashington
On Tuesday, our pilgrims took on stage six of St Aidan’s Way, walking from St Bartholomew Cresswell St Andrew's Ashington. Another meaningful day of friendship, fellowship, prayer and reflection.
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Stage Five: Warkworth to Cresswell
On 11 July, more than 30 pilgrims walked from St Lawrence Warkworth to St Bartholomew's The Parish Churches of Cresswell and Lynemouth. It was great to be joined by both new and familiar faces for stage 5 of St Aidan’s Way, as we journeyed together for shared reflection, prayer and conversation.
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Stage Four: Craster to Warkworth
We’re now halfway through St Aidan’s Way as our pilgrims walked stage 4 on 6 June. Bishop Helen-Ann was delighted to join the group as they journeyed from St Peter the Fisherman in Craster to St Lawrence Warkworth for a day of fellowship, encouragement, encouraging conversation and prayer.
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Stage Three: Seahouses to Craster
Last weekend, our pilgrims journeyed from Seahouses to Craster for Stage Three of St Aidan’s Way. A day of fellowship, connection, conversation and prayer followed a shared breakfast with a break for lunch and optional dip.
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Stage Two: Belford to Seahouses
On 11 April, around 25 pilgrims journeyed together across a range of different landscapes from Belford to Seahouses. Lots of opportunities to reflect with new and old friends.
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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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