Cathedral Cycle Relay – They’re Off

Bradford Cathedral will host the launch of the third national Cathedrals Cycle Relay this Saturday (24th May) celebrating the city’s status as City Of Culture 2025.

The Cathedral Cycle Relay starts on Saturday at Bradford Cathedral

The Cathedrals Cycle Relay (CCR) – which began in 2021 – will see hundreds of cyclists take part in the Cathedrals Cycle Route – a 2,000-mile circular route connecting all 42 Church of England cathedrals.

The route is designed to promote mental and physical wellbeing, sustainable travel and spiritual exploration and caters for everyone – from those completing short segments of it to dedicated riders undertaking the full 2,000-mile circular journey.

Launched from Newcastle Cathedral in 2021, the initiative from Dr Shaun Cutler has since evolved into a celebration of community, connection and the great outdoors.

He said:

“The Cathedrals Cycle Route welcomes everyone! Born out of the challenges of COVID, the CCR was created to foster connection and promote a sense of togetherness, embracing all backgrounds and beliefs.

“Now five years since the outbreak, the importance of unity is stronger than ever. We’re excited for our 2025 relay to play a role in Bradford’s City of Culture and in bringing us together, celebrating the beauty of England’s 42 cathedrals and the vibrant communities that surround them. Join us in this inspiring journey!”

Anne Locke, from the Association of English Cathedrals, said:

“I remember very well the joy of taking part myself in the first cycle relay in 2021, and I am delighted that our cathedrals will be welcoming the baton again this year. 

‘The Cathedrals Cycle Route has created a wonderful opportunity to explore these marvellous buildings and communities in an enjoyable and sustainable way.”

Many cathedrals offer a unique stamp or sticker for visiting cyclists’ Pilgrim Passports, available here from the Association of English Cathedrals.

Click here to order your Pilgrim Passport.

Cyclists of all abilities are invited to take part in a single leg – or multiple legs – during the six-week relay during which a special baton will be passed from cathedral to cathedral, returning to Bradford on Saturday July 5.

The relay will begin with a special launch event with a series of short speeches from the Dean of Bradford, the Very Revd Andy Bowerman, the Bishop of Bradford the Rt Revd Toby Howarth and Dr Shaun Cutler who created the route as part of a PhD project as a way out of lockdown, his daughter Hannah who designed the baton, cyclist, Dan Bates from the Bradford 2025 team, and a surprise celebrity guest!

There will also be musical performances from Kenneth Wilson, the Pilgrim Celloist, who will be cycling the route and performing at various cathedrals along the way – read about Kenneth’s pilgrimage here.

As well as performing as part of the launch, he will also be playing a pay-as-you-feel performance this Friday 23 May at Bradford Cathedral at 3pm.

Cyclists will depart Bradford Cathedral at around 11:30am, cycling to Wakefield Cathedral via Dewsbury Minster.

Budding cyclists, including members of local cycle groups, are invited to sign up on Eventbrite to do some or all of this route, and are welcome to also cycle other legs as well.

It is free to take part, but those donating at least £10 will receive a special CCR medal to acknowledge their achievement.

Cyclists are invited to sign-up here.

All are welcome to attend the launch event on Saturday at 10:30am. RSVP here.