Join the pilgrims walking from Ripon Cathedral to Fountains Abbey

The not-for-profit group Ripon Together has organised a mass walk called the Yorkshire Pilgrimage from the the city’s cathedral to Fountains Abbey next month.

Like the Boxing Day pilgrimage between the iconic religious sites, which has been staged for 45 years, walkers will trace the steps of the 13 Benedictine monks who, in 1132 AD, were the original founders of the abbey.

The pilgrimage, which takes place on 4 September, is part of Walkshire series of walks organised this year by the tourism organisation Welcome to Yorkshire, which encourages people to discover the county’s great outdoors.

It is also part of  Ripon Together’s Healthy Journeying campaign to encourage people to walk in the Yorkshire countryside, following the lifting of covid restrictions.

Photo of Ripon Cathedral

The Ripon Together Yorkshire Pilgrimage will depart from the cathedral at 12.30pm on September 4.

The walk will be led by Canon Barry Pyke, of the cathedral, and will take approximately an hour at a leisurely pace.

The Dean of Ripon, the Very Reverend John Dobson, said:

“Ripon Together has been promoting walking and cycling for a couple of years now.  This is a fantastic opportunity for the people of Ripon and across the region to walk together from the oldest cathedral in the country to Fountains Abbey, one of Yorkshire’s World Heritage Sites.

“Ripon Together is devoted to improving the wellbeing of people in Ripon and the area. I am delighted that people are uniting to encourage healthy journeying and urge people from across the area to join us in the pilgrimage.”  Further walks and cycle routes can be found at https://www.ripontogether.com/healthy-journeying/.”

Book in advance

Justin Scully, general manager at Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal said:

“The past 18 months have been tumultuous to say the least, so we’re delighted that the long-running tradition of a pilgrimage between Ripon Cathedral and Fountains Abbey is taking place in September.

“We know that the pilgrimage, which normally takes place on Boxing Day, is much loved by our community and we were so disappointed that we couldn’t run the event in 2020.”

The Yorkshire Pilgrimage is free to take part in, but to ensure a safe journey Ripon Together needs to know the numbers attending in advance.

Tickets for the event are available through Eventbrite at https://www.eventbrite.co.uk/e/pilgrimage-from-ripon-cathedral-to-fountains-abbey-tickets-158397195275.

For those who cannot access that link, paper numbered tickets are available from Ripon Cathedral and Fountains Abbey visitor centre.

There are three food outlets at Fountains Abbey.  Cakes and liquid refreshments will also be available on the Abbey Green.

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Music will be provided at the abbey by Ripon City Band, which is one of the country’s leading brass bands.

They will perform two sessions, including Yorkshire pieces, finishing at about 3.30pm.

 

 

Roadmap delay pushes back return of Harrogate district Parkruns

The delayed ending of coronavirus restrictions has forced organisers of Parkrun in the Harrogate district to push back its return by a month.

It has been a difficult few months for the organisers, who have tentatively scheduled the return of the free, weekly 5 km runs time and time again, only to then have to disappoint runners.

Outdoor events are permitted under the current government rules. However, many of the landowners that host the runs have granted permission for them to take place on the condition that all lockdown restrictions are lifted.

Now the government has delayed the roadmap easing until July 19, Parkrun is looking to return on July 24.

There are three Parkruns in the Harrogate district: on the Stray in Harrogate, Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough and Fountains Abbey, near Ripon.

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A spokesperson for Parkrun said today:

“A huge amount of work has been done in recent weeks to ensure we have permission to return from the large majority of landowners.

“While this delay is disappointing, we respect the fact that a significant number of these permissions were contingent on the country moving into Step 4.

“We will therefore target a new reopening date of July 24.”

Parkrun tentatively scheduled to return to Harrogate and Knaresborough in two weeks

Parkrun could resume in Harrogate and Knaresborough in just over a fortnight’s time after an absence of more than a year.

Organisers hope to restart the weekly 5km run in the two towns on June 5.

The government’s roadmap out of lockdown has permitted parkrun since March. But obstacles have remained in the way of organisers, who still have to negotiate with whoever owns the land on which the runs take place.

Harrogate Borough Council has given parkrun permission to return on the Stray in Harrogate and Conyngham Hall in Knaresborough.

However, a spokesperson for the National Trust, which owns Fountains Abbey in Ripon told the Stray Ferret:

“We are still working closely with the organisers and volunteers at parkrun. We have no set date for a return yet.

“The National Trust is committed to working with parkrun. But we have to limit the numbers of people in our busiest areas.”

The Harrogate district appears to be in better position than much of the rest of the country. So far parkrun only has permission for 161 of its 589 locations.

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That low number means that the return of parkrun “hangs in the balance.” A spokesperson for Parkrun UK said:

“A combination of obstacles, including misunderstanding the government’s roadmap, reluctance, hesitation and unnecessary red tape threatens to delay the return of parkrun indefinitely.

“Parkrun UK must make a decision two weeks ahead of the planned return on whether restarting events on June 5 is viable.

“With all other sports returning, alongside the reopening of indoor dining and hospitality, further roadblocks to parkrun’s return feel unreasonable.”

Venues close as heavy snow approaches Harrogate district

Gritters are out in force today as the Harrogate district braces itself for a second bout of heavy snow in a week.

Fountains Abbey near Ripon and RHS Harlow Carr in Harrogate have already decided to close tomorrow, with the Met Office warning of road closures, stranded vehicles, power cuts and loss of mobile phone coverage.

With heavy snow forecast all day tomorrow (Jan 14), Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal, including the deer park will be closed all day for the safety of visitors and staff.
If you've booked to visit tomorrow you should receive a cancellation email shortly.@GHRHarrogate pic.twitter.com/iwPF7JWxWi

— Fountains Abbey & Studley Royal, National Trust (@fountainsabbey) January 13, 2021

Unfortunately with more heavy snow forecast in Harrogate tomorrow, RHS Garden Harlow Carr and Garden Centre will be closed on Thurs 14th January.

We apologise for any inconvenience caused. If you have paid for tickets, please contact harlowcarr@rhs.org.uk to arrange a refund. pic.twitter.com/oW6oKnTMJI

— RHS Harlow Carr (@RHSHarlowCarr) January 13, 2021

A yellow weather warning for snow and ice is in place until 9pm tomorrow.

Although less severe than amber and red warnings, the Met Office still warns of “possible significant travel disruption”.

Overnight temperatures are forecast to fall as low as minus two degrees centigrade and not rise above freezing until Saturday, when another weather warning — this time for heavy rain — if effective.

A @metoffice yellow #weatherwarning for #snow and #ice in #NorthYorkshire is in place until 9pm tomorrow. Our gritting crews are treating priority roads but, if you must travel, please take extra care.

You can keep up to date with the forecast here ⬇️https://t.co/zHvC8EqeVU pic.twitter.com/02QCYkusKz

— North Yorkshire Council (@northyorksc) January 13, 2021

There are currently no flood warnings in the Harrogate district but they are in place nearby on the River Swale and River Ouse.

The Stray Ferret will provide weather and travel updates throughout the day tomorrow.

New walking and cycling routes to wellbeing in Ripon

An initiative to promote walking and cycling for fitness and wellbeing during the lockdown has been launched in Ripon.

The community interest company Ripon Together is behind the Healthy Journeying scheme.

It encourages people to get their daily exercise on foot or bike while enjoying the city’s scenery.

A website which gives details about safe local walking and cycle routes has been set up to support the project.

Photograph of the Dean of Ripon

The Dean of Ripon the Very Revd John Dobson.

The Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd John Dobson, is chair of Ripon Together. He said:

“In this further lockdown it is even more important to look after each other.

“Ripon Together is supporting people’s health and wellbeing through its website where they can find lots of local walks and cycle routes.

“We are also hoping – covid restrictions permitting – to hold the traditional pilgrimage to Fountains Abbey, which could not take place on Boxing Day, on 1 May”.

He said Ripon Together was set up to make Ripon an even better place to live and it was important to encourage people to move around the city and its surrounding area sustainably, adding:

“We want more people to cycle and walk, and we want better access to the city and its countryside for those with disabilities.  We need local infrastructure to support this.  We would love to hear from anyone with ideas on how that can be delivered.”

Ripon Together is also supporting the creation of local greenways and a walking and cycling strategy for the city, as envisaged in the City Plan approved in a referendum in February 2019.

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The proposed Clotherholme development would significantly increase traffic in the city.  Healthy journeying – cycling and walking – would reduce congestion and pollution.

Ripon Together is also asking local people to help walking charity The Ramblers to identify paths that have been in public use but are not shown as footpaths or bridleways so that they can be protected under law.

If you know of any such paths, or want to volunteer to help the project, e-mail info@ripontogether.com

People who find public footpaths or bridleways obstructed or in poor condition can use the same e-mail address and Ripon Together will pass on the information to The Ramblers.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Christmas weekend events light up in Harrogate district

Christmas is certainly not cancelled in the Harrogate district. There are plenty of events still going ahead this festive season despite the restrictions.

Under the tier two rules large events can go ahead with 1,000 capacity indoors and 2,000 outdoors.

While it is unlikely that these events will draw in close to those numbers, some have sold out already but there’s plenty more to do.

Drive in cinema at Ripley Village

What-a-movie is returning this Christmas after a successful series of screenings in the summer.

This time Ripley Village, between Harrogate and Ripon, will be the venue of choice for seven Christmas movies on December 19 and 20.

There will be contactless ticket scanning on entry, marshalled parking in bays and snacks can be delivered to cars.

Glow at RHS Harlow Carr

RHS Harlow Carr is holding a special lights event called Glow every Thursday, Friday and Saturday evenings up to Christmas.

It will also be open three days before new year. Tickets are currently sold out but with some last minute cancellations spaces do occasionally become available.

This year the lights are extended to include the entire length of the streamside and illuminates Harlow Carr’s iconic features.

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Festivities at Fountains Abbey

Sticking with the theme of lights, Fountains Abbey is also holding a special Christmas event this year.

Every weekend in December and from Boxing Day to January 1 the National Trust site near Ripon will be open for a full festive day.

When the sun starts to go down the abbey will glow with bright and colourful lights and while there will be no bands or choirs there will be Christmas songs for a sing a long.

Lightwater Valley Christmas events

Lightwater Valley is also holding a Festive Family Fun day which has been running since the end of November.

The park is lit up with giant lanterns, illuminated sculptures with an Alice in Winterland theme.

There is also a stage featuring festive visitors and puppet performances and rides will be open if the weather allows.

Lightwater Valley manager Colin Bowes recently confirmed that he had added additional dates after a spike in interest.

Enchantica virtual sing along

Tinsel the Elf and Father Christmas, who are normally part of Harlow Carr’s grotto are also going virtual this year.

The pair have produced a festive sing along video to capture the magic of the grotto. It will give children the opportunity to tell Santa what they would like for Christmas.

It is a 20 minute show that starts with a personalised greeting for up to four children and Tinsel will take them on a visit to Santa at the North Pole.

Brimham Rocks and Fountains Abbey to stay open during lockdown

Brimham Rocks and Fountains Abbey will stay open during lockdown, the National Trust has confirmed.

The charity said it wanted people to enjoy outdoor spaces, but all of the trust’s indoor sites will close from tomorrow.

That means the visitor centre restaurant at Fountain’s Abbey will remain open for takeaway only.

But the abbey, Studley Royal water garden and the play area will remain open.

At Brimham Rocks, the kiosk will remain open to serve takeaway hot and cold drinks and snacks.

The car parks at both venues will stay open.

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National Trust director-general Hilary McGrady said the well-being of visitors, staff and volunteers was its priority.

Ms McGrady said:

“We follow government advice and guidance at all times, in each of the nations we serve.

“We know how important access to green space, nature and fresh air are to people, and we’ll do everything we can to provide them during the next phase. Our priorities will remain the safety and well-being of visitors, staff and volunteers.”

Is Henry Cavill filming at Fountains Abbey this week?

Parts of Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal Water Garden are closed this week for filming of a “major TV series”, understood to be The Witcher, which stars Henry Cavill.

Readers of the Stray Ferret have sent in pictures of the National Trust-owned site this week sporting a more medieval look.

There were no actors on site when reader Jo McGregor took the image shown here. However, Cavill plays the series lead called Geralt in the Netflix show so could well be on location.

Netflix confirmed it had resumed production of The Witcher in August. The film crew has travelled around much of northern England for the upcoming second series.

The film set believed to be used for The Witcher. Photo: Jo McGregor

A fan site dedicated to the Witcher believes it is likely that the black tents resemble those of the Nilfgaardian Empire, which is featured in the series.

It also revealed the crew filmed at Plumpton Rocks near Harrogate.

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The Stray Ferret approached the National Trust about the filming but the charity was tight-lipped. A spokesperson said:

“Parts of the abbey ruins and Studley Royal water gardens are being used for a major TV series. We can’t say anything more at this stage.

“But if you follow our social media pages you may see more details when they become available.”

The water garden was completely closed to the public today due to filming. It will be partially open again tomorrow.

Harrogate district attractions still open during half-term

Despite rising covid levels, many popular venues in the Harrogate district are still planning to hold half-term activities. 

From wicked woodland walks to Halloween haunted villages, events are still scheduled to go ahead. 

Many require pre-booked tickets, and have made covid-compliant adjustments. 

Fountains Abbey is going ahead with its annual Fountains by Floodlight event, which will take place every evening between October 19 and 25. However, this year it will replace the usual choir with recorded music.

Jennifer Taylor, senior visitor experience officer at the site, said:

“We have worked hard to adapt the event to keep everybody safe.

“There are a few changes this year. We have limited tickets which must be booked in advance and only the abbey ruins will be illuminated.”

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Other attractions have adopted a spookier theme. 

Newby Hall, near Ripon, is turning its miniature railway into a ghost train and Lightwater Valley, which is also near Ripon, is opening up a Halloween trick or treat street as well as its usual rides. 

In Knaresborough, Mother Shipton’s Cave is offering a spooky forest and haunted village experience, while Birchfield Farm in Summerbridge is inviting families to pick their own pumpkins during October. 

Stump Cross Caverns, in Greenhow Hill, is running potion workshops on October 31 and November 1. 

With covid restrictions liable to change, do check with the venues to see if their plans change.

 

Studley Royal’s slavery links revealed in report

The National Trust has included Ripon’s Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal in a report published today about links between its properties and slavery.

The report reveals how John Aislabie, who owned the Studley Royal estate during the 18th century, received a £20,000 bribe from the South Sea Company to promote its campaigns in the House of Commons.

Aislabie was eventually expelled from the House of Commons for his links with the South Sea Company, which sold African slaves.

Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site.

A spokesperson for Fountains Abbey and Studley Royal said:

“Fountains Abbey will be exploring ways to embed the research into what we do and the way we tell the stories of the property.

“We want to give as many people as possible, particularly those whose ancestors may have been enslaved or whose countries may have been colonised, a chance to respond to the report’s findings.

“We are working to share stories of colonialism and slavery at relevant properties but we also want to take time to do this properly and well.”

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The trust said this information will be taken forward to offer visitors a more informed visit.

Another North Yorkshire property, Nunnington Hall, was also named in the report.