The VIRTUAL PILGRIMAGE FILM launches on Friday 18th November (from 0800) and we have a series of articles about pilgrimage to accompany our feature, a mix of history of our newly-created Teesdale Riverside Pilgrimage, information on the national Camino Ingles and of course more as to the origin of the Virtual Pilgrimage Film.

This film invites you to join us on the beautiful teesdale riverside pilgrimage way route from Barnard Castle to Gainford, situated in the south of County Durham, England, 

We know many find solace in reflecting whilst on a pilgrimage and we have consciously paced our film with this in mind.  It is leisurely and intended to allow you some ‘natural space’ just like you were walking alongside our Pilgrimage Lead Tom Deakin who recorded the foot elements of the journey.  The film is punctuated by a series of Reflections, a spiritual ‘pause’ which allows pilgrims to centre their thoughts around the voice of our local priests as we have an opportunity to journey together.

We attempted to connect all aspects of the physical, the spiritual and the intellectual by means of a thought provoking commentary provided by writer and historian Mark Samuelson and voiced masterfully by professional voice-over artist Emma Hignett.

Embarking upon the Virtual Pilgrimage project we were clear that it was to include the same elements as a walked pilgrimage, pauses, reflections and a spiritual journey to accompany the physical – and we hope when watching our film you enjoy all these elements coming together.

The run-time is 30 minutes and we encourage you watch it from start to finish in one sitting.  Sit back and enjoy a journey through the beautiful riverside between our churches in County Durham, England.

We know everyone has a different connection with the outdoors, just as we all do with faith.  Some are especially comfortable with wandering off the beaten track with a sixth sense as to where they are, and others prefer well worn paths to reassure.  Faith is similar in this respect.

We’ve tried to join these two styles together in the way we’ve put the film together, allowing a journey with signposted ‘pauses’, but also allowing the rest of the film to speak to those who may be more comfortable exploring each moment they journey.

Our Pilgrimage articles are a selection which we hope can provide some context as to our activities in this area as churches and parishes, our regional and national pilgrimages with a number about the Camino Ingles; and of course our National Saints Trails which join our beautiful northern counties together in England.

Gainford church is on The Way of Life Pilgrimage route to Durham Cathedral and we have a page to explore for those interested in these Northern Saints Trails.  Likewise, Winston church has been  named one of the top 10 Small Pilgrim Churches nationwide due to its stunning setting and peaceful surroundings – and we hope you enjoy finding out more about our storied communities and church history as you journey through our website.

we already have a 2023 plan for pilgrimage which is growing by the month – so who knows, maybe you may join one of our pilgrimages in the future?!