New 42-mile walking route links Bradford and Ripon Cathedrals

Ripon Cathedral (Photo: Facebook/Ripon Cathedral)

A new 42-mile recreational trail has been launched that takes in two cathedrals and a Christian World Heritage Site.

The Yorkshire Heritage Way runs from Bradford Cathedral to Ripon Cathedral and is the creation of the Burley Bridge Association (BBA) and Ramblers Lower Wharfedale.

Its launch coincides with the 1350th anniversary of Ripon Cathedral, the oldest among England's cathedrals, having been consecrated by St Wilfrid in 672 AD.

The route takes walkers past the Nidderdale Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and across diverse landscapes, from urban Bradford, through moors, woodlands and streams, to quaint Ripon.

Other highlights on the Yorkshire Heritage Way include Brimham Rocks and two UNESCO World Heritage Sites - the model village of Saltaire and the ruins of Fountains Abbey.

Fountains Abbey was built in the 12th century to house Cistercian monks but fell victim to Henry VIII's Dissolution of the Monasteries in the 16th century. 

Walkers can visit the spectacular ruins and cross Butterton Bridge, a 13th century pack horse bridge and Scheduled Monument near Sawley that was built by the monks.

The new route has been made possible by a community grant.

Tracy Brabin, Mayor of West Yorkshire, said: "This newly developed route will enable people in the communities surrounding it to explore their local area on foot, benefiting their health, wellbeing and everyday lives."

News
Sudan authorities use bureaucracy to stop church rebuilding and worship
Sudan authorities use bureaucracy to stop church rebuilding and worship

Authorities in Sudan are obstructing efforts by a church to rebuild and even to use their place of worship

Ramadan ‘offers a unique opportunity’ to share the Gospel, says missiologist
Ramadan ‘offers a unique opportunity’ to share the Gospel, says missiologist

Dr Emil Saleem Shehadeh has some sage advice for how Christians can engage with their Muslim neighbours and colleagues during Ramadan.

David Tudor hit with another lifetime ministry ban
David Tudor hit with another lifetime ministry ban

Having already been banned, the latest sanction merely reinforces an earlier decision.

Armenia’s Christian civilization is under existential threat - the UK must not stand idly by
Armenia’s Christian civilization is under existential threat - the UK must not stand idly by

The constellation of powers that produced the eradication of the Armenian Christian presence in Nagorno Karabakh now have their sights on the Republic of Armenia itself.