Persistent morning rain did not deter a hardy group of pilgrims from maintaining a Boxing Day tradition in Ripon.
More than 100 people made the four-mile journey from the city’s ancient cathedral to Fountains Abbey.
Walking at a gentle pace, wearing waterproofs, raincoats and with some carrying umbrellas, they retraced the steps of the 13 Benedictine monks, who set off from the cathedral on Boxing Day 1132 to become the original founders of the abbey.
Pilgrims walking along Kirkgate at the start of their journey to Fountains Abbey
The annual pilgrimage, which began in 1976, was cancelled last year because of covid, but with smaller numbers than usual taking part this year, the event was safely staged, as walkers covered the route in small groups.
The pilgrims, carrying a cross, were led on the walk to the abbey by the Dean of Ripon, The Very Revd. John Dobson (pictured below, second from left) with five fellow walkers.
At the abbey, the cellarium, with its vaulted roof (pictured below) provided shelter from the elements for a carol service led by the Dean and cathedral clergy.
The service provided a heart-warming finale, full of festive cheer for the pilgrims.
Yesterday’s event was the second pilgrimage of the year from the cathedral to the abbey.
In September, Ripon Together’s Yorkshire Pilgrimage was held as part of its Healthy Journeying campaign, which encourages people to walk in the Yorkshire countryside for physical and mental wellbeing.
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