The Canal Pilgrimage 

Skipton ↔ Kildwick

Two churches. One pilgrimage. One journey with God. 

The Canal Pilgrimage is a gentle 5-mile journey along the Leeds and Liverpool Canal, linking Holy Trinity Church, Skipton and St Andrew's Church, Kildwick.

You can walk it in either direction. There is no official starting point and no required way to make the journey. Begin at whichever church works best for you, walk at your own pace, and allow the landscape, the water and the simple rhythm of walking to create space for prayer and reflection.

Whether you come as a person of faith, someone exploring spirituality, or simply someone looking for a different kind of walk, you are very welcome.
 

Why go on pilgrimage?

Pilgrimage is an ancient way of seeking God through journey.

Walking takes us away from our normal routines. The steady rhythm of our steps can help quieten the noise around us and within us. We begin to notice things: the landscape, other people, ourselves, and perhaps the presence of God.

You don't need to know what you believe before you begin. You don't need special prayers or equipment. Simply come and walk.

You don't have to go far to go deep.
 

The Journey

 

Holy Trinity Church, Skipton ↔ St Andrew's Church, Kildwick

The pilgrimage follows the Leeds and Liverpool Canal through the beautiful landscape between Skipton and Kildwick.

Distance: 5.0 miles (8.0 km)
Walking time: Around 2 hours
Terrain: Mostly flat canal towpath
Direction: Either way
Difficulty: Easy

Along the route you'll pass Skipton Canal Basin, Snaygill Marina, the Polish Airmen's Memorial, Low Bradley and Farnhill Woods before reaching the other end of the pilgrimage.

↔ Walk it either way

There is no "right" direction to walk the Canal Pilgrimage.

You can begin at Holy Trinity Church in Skipton and walk towards St Andrew's, or begin at St Andrew's in Kildwick and walk towards Holy Trinity.

The journey is the same. The experience will be your own.

Park, bus and walk

Parking is available at St Andrew's Church, Kildwick, which provides another easy way to make the pilgrimage.

Leave your car at St Andrew's, take one of the regular buses from Kildwick into Skipton, and then walk the Canal Pilgrimage back to Kildwick.

Alternatively, walk from Kildwick to Skipton and return by bus.
 

Along the Way

Pilgrimage isn't about getting somewhere as quickly as possible. Give yourself permission to stop.

You might use these reflections wherever feels right along the journey.
 

Stillness

As you walk, notice the rhythm of your footsteps.

What are you carrying with you today?

Where might God be inviting you to slow down?
 

Water

Notice the canal beside you: sometimes still, sometimes disturbed, always changing.

What do you need to entrust to God today?
 

Creation

Look up from the path.

Notice the trees, the water, the birds, the hills and the changing light.

What beauty might you otherwise have missed?
 

Peace

As you pass the Polish Airmen's Memorial, pause to remember those whose lives have been affected by war and conflict.

Pray for those living with violence today, for those who work for reconciliation, and for the peace of Christ in our world.
 

Companionship

The risen Christ walked beside two travellers on the road to Emmaus before they recognised him.

Think about those who have walked alongside you during your own journey through life.

Who are you thankful for?

And where might Christ be walking beside you now?
 

Two Churches. One Pilgrimage.

At either end of the Canal Pilgrimage stands a church with centuries of Christian prayer and worship behind it.

Neither is simply the starting point or the destination. Both are places of welcome for pilgrims.
 

Holy Trinity Church, Skipton

Standing at the top of Skipton High Street, Holy Trinity is one of the town's great historic landmarks and has been a place of Christian worship for centuries.

Take time to explore the church, sit quietly, light a candle or simply enjoy a few moments of stillness.

Whether Holy Trinity marks the beginning or the end of your pilgrimage, you are welcome.
 

St Andrew's Church, Kildwick
The Lang Kirk of Craven

For more than a thousand years there has been a church here at Kildwick. The oldest parts of the present building date from the 11th or 12th century, and generations have come here to pray, worship and mark the important moments of their lives.

Known as The Lang Kirk of Craven, St Andrew's contains a remarkable collection of Christian heritage, including medieval stonework, an ancient font and fragments of Viking-age stone crosses.

Come in, explore, pray or simply be still.

Whether St Andrew's marks the beginning or the end of your pilgrimage, you are welcome.
 

Planning Your Pilgrimage

The Canal Pilgrimage is intended to be straightforward and accessible to as many people as possible, but it is still an outdoor walk of around five miles.

Wear comfortable footwear and clothing appropriate for the weather, and take water with you. You may also want to bring a snack.

Much of the canal towpath is level and well surfaced, but surfaces and access points can vary. If accessibility is particularly important for your journey, we recommend checking current conditions before setting out.

Dogs are welcome on the towpath. Please keep them under appropriate control and be considerate of other people using the canal.
 

Getting there and back

Regular bus services connect Kildwick and Skipton, making it possible to walk the pilgrimage in either direction and return by public transport.

Parking is available at St Andrew's Church, Kildwick, and there are numerous car parks available in Skipton.

Please check current bus times before setting out.
 

Refreshments

There are plenty of cafés, pubs and other places for refreshments in Skipton, with further options available in and around Kildwick.

Take the Pilgrimage With You

Our free Canal Pilgrimage leaflet contains the route, map, practical information and reflections to accompany you along the way.

Download the Canal Pilgrimage leaflet

Printed copies are also available from Holy Trinity Church, Skipton and St Andrew's Church, Kildwick.
 

Share Your Journey

If you make the Canal Pilgrimage, we'd love to hear about your journey.

Share your photographs and reflections with us and help others discover this simple pilgrimage through the beautiful landscape of Craven.

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Everyone is Welcome

You don't need to be a regular churchgoer to make a pilgrimage.

You don't need to have all the answers.

You don't even need to be sure what you're looking for.

Come as you are. Walk at your own pace. Notice what is around you. Give yourself some space.

And see where the journey takes you.

"Did not our hearts burn within us while he talked with us on the road?"
Luke 24.32
 

Two churches. One pilgrimage. One journey with God.

Holy Trinity Church, Skipton ↔ St Andrew's Church, Kildwick