A stunning series of new modern pilgrimage routes in "some of the most beautiful countryside” around Ripon are to be launched this weekend.

The full launch of the The Fountains Ways project will see parishioners, walkers and visitors able to choose from one of two seven-mile spectacular guided walks at the launch event on Saturday, March 21:

The Fishers’ Way – a circular route between Kirkby Malzeard, Grewelthorpe, Hackfall Woods and Mickley).

The Curlew Way – a circular route between Kirkby Malzeard, Galphay, Winksley and Laverton).

The full launch of the The Fountains Ways project will see parishioners, walkers and visitors able to choose from three spectacular guided walks near Ripon from this weekend. (Picture contributed)

placeholder image — The full launch of the The Fountains Ways project will see parishioners, walkers and visitors able to choose from three spectacular guided walks near Ripon from this weekend. (Picture contributed)

The Fountains Ways project has received funding and support from Visit North Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Council, as well as a local benefactor.

It has been devised in close cooperation with The Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust (YHCT) and The National Trust.

A third route, the nine-mile Abbot’s Way, a circular walk between Winksley, Aldfield, Sawley and Studley Royal/Fountains Abbey was given a soft launch in September 2025.

The Rev Andrew Cromarty, Fountains Ways Project Lead, said: “‘We are excited to be able to launch these three distinct, yet interlinking, pilgrimage routes across The Fountains Benefice in some of the most beautiful countryside in North Yorkshire.

Boost for walkers and parishioners - The Fountains Ways project received funding from Visit North Yorkshire, North Yorkshire Council and a local benefactor, and has cooperated closely with The Yorkshire Historic Churches Trust (YHCT) and The National Trust. (Picture contributed)

"We hope that the combination of peaceful and welcoming churches, with Church Explorer quests for the curious, attractive villages and breath-taking scenery, will cause many to enjoy the experience.”

The Fountains Way project has also been warmly welcomed by North Yorkshire Coun Felicity Cunliffe-Lister, who represents the Masham and Fountains division.

“Connecting churches will help bring communities together," she said.

“The routes will be particularly popular with visitors who want to get off the beaten track in this beautiful part of the world.”

The launch on Saturday will begin with a prayer at St Andrew’s Church in Kirkby Malzeard, at 10am, with the two walks leaving at 10.30am.

Afterwards, walkers will receive a blessing from the Bishop of Ripon, the Rt Rev Anna Eltringham, at a short service of Thanksgiving in St Andrew’s Church in Kirkby Malzeard.

This will be followed by a celebratory reception.

Anyone who would like to attend, should confirm with Karen Pickles on [email protected] or 07498491191.