The Launch of the Yorkshire Heritage Way.
From Bradford Cathedral to Ripon Cathedral – the Launch of the Yorkshire Heritage Way
A new 42-mile Yorkshire Heritage Way recreational trail between Bradford and Ripon will be officially launched at Bradford Cathedral today (29 April) with a four-day pilgrimage ending at Ripon Cathedral on Bank Holiday Monday.
The trail links the UNESCO World Heritage sites of Saltaire, an outstanding example of a mid-nineteenth century model town, and Fountains Abbey, one of the largest and best preserved ruins of a Cistercian monastery in England, as well as the two Yorkshire cathedrals.
A guided inaugural walk of the new Heritage way will set off from Bradford Cathedral on Friday following its launch at 9am and end at Ripon Cathedral on Monday 2 May just in time for Ripon Cathedral’s 1350th anniversary celebration weekend to mark its founding father, Wilfrid, and all walkers will be invited to take part in the Beer Festival taking place that day as part of the festivities.
The trail has been developed and delivered with a community grant from the Department for Transport’s Capability Fund in partnership with the West Yorkshire Combined Authority and other contributors include Burley in Wharfedale Parish Council, Burley in Wharfedale Community Trust and the Long Distance Walkers Association.
David Asher, Secretary of the Burley Bridge Association, said:
“The Yorkshire Heritage Way visits some of the most iconic historical sites in Yorkshire whilst walking through some of the best scenery the county has to offer, including the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
“It links the centre of Bradford, one of the grandest cosmopolitan cities in the north of England with Ripon, one of the smallest and prettiest, and connects two of Yorkshire’s amazing World Heritage sites as well as two beautiful and historic cathedrals”.
Those wishing to take part in the 4 day walk should register beforehand, especially if wishing to book a place on the minibus transport arrangements being organised for the second, third and fourth days.
The itinerary is:
- Friday 29 April, Stage 1. Bradford Cathedral to Saltaire. 4.5 miles Departs 10.00
- Friday 29 April, Stage 2. Saltaire to Burley in Wharfedale. 8.5 miles Departs 1.00 pm
- Saturday 30 April, Stage 3: Burley in Wharfedale to Thruscross 10 miles: Departs 10.00
- Sunday 1 May, Stage 4: Thruscross to Brimham Rocks: 8 miles: Departs 10.00
- Monday 2 May, Stage 5: Brimham Rocks to Ripon: 11 miles: Departs 10.00
A limited number of minibus places will be available to bring walkers back to Burley railway station on Saturday afternoon, and from Burley station to starting points on Sunday and Monday in time for the beginning of the walk. Return transport will be provided to Burley station at the end of each afternoon. A small contribution will be asked from walkers to cover transport costs. Burley in Wharfedale has frequent trains to and from Leeds, Bradford and Ilkley, and is linked by bus to Ilkley, Leeds and Harrogate.
Those wishing to register for one or more days walking should send names and phone numbers to burleybridge@gmail.com. This is especially important if transport is required to walk Stages 3, 4 or 5. Full details will then be provided.
In 2020 the Association of English Cathedrals partnered with the British Pilgrimage Trust to launch circular pilgrimage routes to every one of our English Cathedrals and partner cathedrals in the Church in Wales.
You can find them all the Cathedral Pilgrimage routes here.
