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.
St Stephen’s Day in this busiest of years for Ripon Cathedral started with a Eucharist service, followed by a leisurely four-mile walk to Fountains Abbey.
The annual Boxing Day pilgrimage linking the two internationally famous and historic religious sites has been taking place in all weathers since 1976.
Bright sunshine and clear skies saw hundreds of pilgrims participate in this morning’s walk, following a procession led by the Dean of Ripon the Very Revd. John Dobson and children, who took it in turns to carry a cross along the way.
The pilgrims on the start of their journey head up Kirkgate.
With celebrations during 2022 to mark the 1,350th anniversary of the cathedral’s foundation by Wilfrid, this year’s walk had an added significance. as the pilgrims again retraced the steps of the 13 Benedictine monks who were the original founders of the abbey in 1132.
A group of pilgrims arrive at Fountains Abbey
At the abbey, the hundreds who completed the walk from the cathedral were joined by hundreds more (pictured below) for a carol service held in the cellarium.
The service included readings, prayers and traditional carols, with musical accompaniment provided by the Stray Brass Ensemble.
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Pilgrims brave the elements for Ripon’s Boxing Day walk
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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It was cancelled last year because of covid, but tomorrow’s Boxing Day pilgrimage from Ripon Cathedral to Fountains Abbey is scheduled to go ahead.
The event, which regularly attracts upwards of 1,000 people, will follow the 9.30am Eucharist service for St Stephen’s Day.
At 10am, pilgrims will set off from the cathedral on the four-mile journey to Fountains Abbey.
Walking at a leisurely pace, they will retrace the steps of the 13 Benedictine monks who were the original founders of the abbey in 1132.
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At the abbey, a carol service will be led by the Dean of Ripon The Very Revd. John Dobson and cathedral clergy.
The pilgrimage between the two iconic heritage and religious sites has been held since 1976.
Sunday’s event will be 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.