New pilgrim trail between Hartlepool and Whitby to celebrate the life of St Hilda

Plans have been unveiled to mark the launch of a new pilgrimage trail between Hartlepool and Whitby celebrating an important Saxon saint to both towns.
By Mark Payne
Published 25th Feb 2020, 16:45 BST
Updated 28th Feb 2020, 17:08 BST
St Hilda was Abbess at Hartlepool in the seventh century and later moved to Whitby.St Hilda was Abbess at Hartlepool in the seventh century and later moved to Whitby.
St Hilda was Abbess at Hartlepool in the seventh century and later moved to Whitby.

Events for the launch of the new 48-mile long Way of St Hild on International Women’s Day on Sunday, March 8, include church services here and in Whitby and are open to all.

St Hilda – Hild in Latin – came to Hartlepool in around 648 AD to take charge of the double monastery of monks and nuns, and later moved to Whitby as the first Abbess there.

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The new pilgrim trail on public rights of way and established National Trails led by Hartlepool Borough Council, with funding from the Rural Payments Agency.

The Way of St Hild ends in Whitby.The Way of St Hild ends in Whitby.
The Way of St Hild ends in Whitby.

The launch day will starts with a celebratory service at St Hilda’s Church on the Headland at 9.30am led by the Bishop of Jarrow the Right Reverend Sarah Clark.

She said: “I’m delighted to be taking part in the launch of The Way of St Hild which is a really exciting route celebrating the importance of Hild to both Hartlepool and Whitby and recognising the huge contribution she made to our Christian heritage.”

After the service, a number of walkers and runners will be the first to follow the route bound for Whitby.

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Special guests including the Lord-Lieutenant of County Durham Sue Snowdon, Ceremonial Mayor of Hartlepool Councillor Brenda Loynes, Hartlepool Borough Council Chief Executive Gill Alexander, and Bishop Sarah will travel to Whitby on a Royal Navy patrol vessel.

Organisers say it is particularly fitting as it is believed St Hild herself would often have made the journey between Hartlepool and Whitby by sea.

In the afternoon, there will be a service of reflection at Whitby Abbey and a service at St Hilda’s Church led by the Bishop of Whitby.

The is unique as a long distance walk as it will be supported by ‘augmented reality’ stations.

Its creation has also been supported by the Very Reverend Michael Sadgrove, Dean Emeritus of Durham.

Learn more about The Way of St Hild by visiting www.hartlepool.gov.uk/way-of-st-hild

Related topics:WhitbySarah ClarkHartlepool