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 Six:
On 11 August, pilgrims will walk from St Bartholomew Cresswell NE61 5JT to St Andrew's Ashington NE63 9AU, setting off at 10am.
There's lots of on-street car parking in Cresswell, including near The Drift Cafe NE61 5LA for those who would rather park away from houses and a car park at the same postcode. For the end point, there is on-street parking on most nearby streets. For those who don’t fancy on-street, there are free car parks in Ashington or parking at St John’s (NE63 0TQ) which is a 30ish minute walk from St Andrew’s.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 5 August to let him know if you plan to join the group. If you are struggling to arrange your own transport, please do also speak to Lee about this.
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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