The Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail will be officially opened at Rievaulx Abbey on Sunday, November 2, with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at 11:30 am led by Peter Wright from Channel 5’s The Yorkshire Vet. The event includes a horse ride starting at 10:30 am from Old Byland village green, following a scenic route to the abbey, and a leisurely walk organized by Joyce Garbutt and Mal Gyte, aiming to arrive in time for the ceremony. Refreshments will be served at noon, and riders will return to Old Byland by 2 pm. A newly published Horse Riders’ Guide Book, sponsored by the British Horse Society, will be available for purchase at the event.
The Saint Aelred’s Pilgrim Trail Society, a registered charity focused on promoting the trail as a heritage and recreational asset, invites horse riders and walkers to join the celebrations, with bookings requested via email. Photography of the event will be taken by North Yorkshire photographer Val Mather. Visitors are also welcome to attend the launch ceremony and enjoy coffee and socializing at the abbey café. More details about the trail and event can be found at www.saintaelredspilgrimtrail.com.
