The Alban Way’s UK pilgrimage sets off on Friday 9 October, as a group of young adults and leaders begin a long weekend of pilgrimage through the north of England, travelling by car in the footsteps of the Northern Saints.
Now in its second year, the UK pilgrimage offers young adults the opportunity to step away from everyday life, spend time in prayer and reflection, and explore their faith together through pilgrimage.
In the footsteps of the Northern Saints
The journey will begin at St Swithun’s Church in Sandy, where the group will gather for Morning Prayer before heading north. Over the course of the weekend, they will visit places connected with some of the great saints of the north, including Durham Cathedral and St Aidan’s Church in Bamburgh, before spending two nights on Lindisfarne (Holy Island).
Lindisfarne has a particularly significant place in the Christian story of the north of England. St Aidan established a monastery on the island in the seventh century, and from there he and others travelled throughout the region, sharing the Christian faith and establishing communities. The island remains a place of pilgrimage and prayer today.
On their return journey, the group will also visit Ripon Cathedral, continuing to explore the stories of the saints who helped to shape Christianity in the north of England.
A journey of discipleship
The pilgrimage forms part of The Alban Way’s wider work with young adults, creating opportunities for them to grow in faith, explore Christian spiritual practices and develop as disciples and leaders.
Throughout the weekend there will be opportunities for prayer, reflection, worship and community, with the young adults themselves taking an active role in leading different parts of the pilgrimage.
Matthew Rushton, a young leader with The Alban Way who is returning for his second year of leading on the pilgrimage, said:
The pilgrimage is not simply about visiting significant Christian places, but about allowing the stories and example of those who have gone before to speak into the lives and faith of those making the journey today.
As the group follows in the footsteps of saints such as Aidan and Cuthbert, they will be encouraged to reflect on their own discipleship: what it means to follow Christ, to make space to listen to God, and to carry God’s presence back into their everyday lives.
Follow along and support
Please join us in praying for the young adults and leaders as they set out on this year’s pilgrimage, that their time together might be filled with friendship, discovery and a deeper awareness of God’s presence.
You can follow the group’s journey through the Diocese of St Albans’ social media accounts and The Alban Way’s Instagram account.
The Alban Way Instagram | Diocese of St Albans Instagram | Diocese of St Albans Facebook
Interested in The Alban Way?
The Alban Way is a discipleship year for 18–35s. If you or someone you know might be interested in joining the 2027 cohort, then you can register here The Alban Way 2027 – Fill in form.
You can also read more on The Alban Way website.