Are you looking for a new challenge?
Why not join a community event this year while raising money for St Helen’s Church and the air ambulance?
This year will mark the inaugural walk of six new long distance walks in the Northeast. These are the Northern Saints Trails which all lead to Durham. The longest and most scenic trail is the Way of Light which starts at Heavenfield and leads via Hexham and the Shire over the fell to Blanchland then on to Edmundsbyers, Muggleswick, Lanchester, and then to Durham itself.
Although the walk can be done over as little as 3 days it can also be split up into walks taking an hour or two or an afternoon for those routes over the fells.
It is proposed that we have a staggered sponsored walk along the route during June, July and August when hopefully the weather will be kind.
Anyone can take part, or if the walking is too much, sponsor someone who will. We have a dedicated website ( with thanks to Claire Nixon) for posting pictures taken on route, logging your progress. it will provide links to information about the route including information about the history of the area and maps which can be downloaded, it also includes some safety information and should have a donation facility before the challenge starts.
We hope that despite any COVID regulations that may be in place this community event will still be able to go ahead in small groups as allowed. When we are able to have a church open day we will be able to display many of the pictures of the event.
The website address is https://sthelenswayoflight.wordpress.com
The four bishops’ ( Durham,Newcastle, Berwick and Jarrow) inaugural walk will start from Heavenfield on 20th May and they hope to pass through Whitley Chapel at lunchtime .