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Ten pilgrims from The Alban Way recently travelled to the North East, spending time in Durham and on Holy Island as they explored the stories of Saints Cuthbert, Aidan and other northern saints.

Walking in the footsteps of saints

The pilgrimage began at St Swithun’s Church, Sandy, where the group gathered for Morning Prayer before setting out on their journey. Travelling together by car, the pilgrims made their way to Durham, where they spent time exploring the beauty and spiritual heritage of Durham Cathedral.

In Durham, the group visited the Cuthbert Centre for Pilgrimage. Through talks and discussion with the Revd James Shelton, Director of the Centre, they learned more about the northern saints and the part they played in the growth of Christianity across Britain. The group also spent time reflecting on the Seven Principles of Pilgrimage, which originate from Vadstena, the pilgrimage centre in the Diocese of Linköping, one of the Diocese of St Albans’ link dioceses.

Continuing their journey north, the pilgrims stopped at St Aidan’s Church, Bamburgh, where they caught their first glimpse of Holy Island of Lindisfarne. The sight of the island, so closely associated with Saints Aidan and Cuthbert, provided a fitting introduction to the next stage of their pilgrimage.

Arriving on Holy Island

The group spent two nights on Lindisfarne, with time for prayer, reflection and exploring the island together. One of the highlights was an early morning barefoot walk across the sands, followed by communion on the beach. Time was also set aside for exploring the island, visiting places of historical and spiritual significance, and sharing daily times of prayer together. Alongside this, the pilgrimage offered opportunities for conversation, laughter and growing together in faith as they journeyed.

Heather, one of the young adults on the pilgrimage reflected on her experience:

“Going on the pilgrimage to Lindisfarne with The Alban Way gave me the chance to step away from everyday life and spend time with God. Travelling together made me feel part of something special and helped me realise that faith is not just a personal journey, but something we can share and strengthen through others.

“My favourite moment was walking barefoot across the causeway to Holy Island. Surrounded by the open sky and sea, with the cool water and sand beneath my feet, I felt a deep sense of peace and a stronger connection to God’s creation. Sharing Communion on the beach made this feeling even more meaningful, bringing us together in a special moment of faith.

“The pilgrimage helped me see my faith in a new way, reminding me that it is not just about what I believe, but how I live each day and make time to listen to God. I came home feeling refreshed and grateful, with a renewed desire to hold on to the peace I felt and carry what I learnt into my everyday life.”

If you are interested in finding out more about The Alban Way or would like to register your interest in joining next year’s cohort, please visit The Alban Way.