Seven young adults from across the Diocese, accompanied by Bishop Jane, the Revd Dan Drew, Rachel Drury, Saffron Biggs and Matthew Rushton, embarked on a car-based pilgrimage last weekend as part of the Alban Way UK Pilgrimage. Their journey took them from Sandy to the Holy Island of Lindisfarne, retracing the spiritual footsteps of the Northern Saints.
The pilgrimage began on Friday in Sandy, where the group gathered at St Swithun’s Church for morning prayer together. Before setting off, the Revd Jodie Brown offered a pilgrim’s blessing, sending the group on their way up the A1 towards Durham.
On Saturday, the pilgrims visited Durham Cathedral, where they enjoyed a guided tour introducing them to the lives and legacy of St Aidan, St Cuthbert and St Bede. These stories helped the group reflect on the countless pilgrims who had journeyed this path before them, and to see themselves as part of that continuing story of faith. During their visit, they were given exclusive access to the Chapel of the Holy Cross and the new Cuthbert Centre: a developing space for hospitality and pilgrimage. The group were the first pilgrims to visit the centre and were sent on their way with a further blessing from the Revd James Shelton.
After leaving Durham, the pilgrims travelled to Lindisfarne (Holy Island), stopping en route at the historic Church of St Aidan in Bamburgh. Their time on the island provided space for rest, renewal and reflection. Activities included coastal walks, sea swims and plenty of shared laughter and conversation.
At sunrise on Sunday morning, the group made the traditional walk across the sands from the mainland to Holy Island, and some pilgrims even braving the crossing barefoot. The weekend concluded with an early morning Eucharist on the beach on Monday, led by Bishop Jane, as the waves broke gently on the shore.
Throughout the weekend, the group shared in a rhythm of prayer, joined together in sung worship, and took time for reflection and conversation about what God is doing in their lives. The group prayed with the words of St Aidan throughout the weekend:
Leave me alone with God as much as may be.
As the tide draws the waters close in upon the shore,
make me an island, set apart,
alone with you, God, holy to you.
Then with the turning of the tide
prepare me to carry your presence to the busy world beyond,
the world that rushes in on me
till the waters come again and fold me back to you.
“Over the pilgrimage weekend I have felt so close to God that it has motivated me to take those moments and put them into my everyday life and remember that feeling of being surrounded and at peace with God,”
— Eilidh, participant
“To be part of the UK cohort of the Alban Way this year has been a truly life-giving opportunity to journey with a group of young adults from across the Diocese. The pilgrimage to Lindisfarne was a memorable experience with the opportunity to deepen relationships and explore our faith by following in the footsteps of the Northern Saints.
Standout memories include walking the causeway path in bare feet while the sun rose and talking about our hope in the promise of heaven, and sharing communion together on the beach on the final day.”
— Bishop Jane
The Alban Way UK Pilgrimage continues to offer young adults across the diocese opportunities to grow in faith, friendship, and discipleship through shared journeys of prayer and pilgrimage.
The Alban Way is a discipleship year for 18–35s. If you know someone who might be interested in joining the 2026 cohort, please share this link with them: Register Your Interest for 2026. You can also read more on The Alban Way website.