The Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail, a new horse-riding route in the southwest corner of the North York Moors, will be officially launched at Rievaulx Abbey on Sunday, November 2. The event will begin with horse riders gathering at Old Byland village green at 10am, followed by a scenic ride to Rievaulx Abbey where Peter Wright, star of Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet, will cut the ribbon at 11.30am. A newly published Horse Riders’ Guide Book, sponsored by the British Horse Society, will be available for purchase, and refreshments will be served. Riders will then return to Old Byland by 2pm via a picturesque route.
In addition to the horse ride, a walking option led by Joyce Garbutt and Mal Gyte will start at 10.30am from Old Byland to Rievaulx Abbey, with participants encouraged to enjoy coffee and cake at the Abbey café. The Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail Society, a registered charity dedicated to promoting the trail as a heritage and recreational asset, welcomes all to join the celebrations, whether riding, walking, or simply attending the launch event. Photography of the day will be captured by North Yorkshire photographer Val Mather. More details are available at www.saintaelredspilgrimtrail.com.
