Every year Ripon Cathedral holds a short sung eucharist from 9:30am until 10:15am, followed by a lively, sociable gathering outside that takes part in a 4 mile walk across a flat route to Fountains Abbey where there is a carol service in the abbey cellarium.
This year, the weather was bright and the skies were blue. Hundreds of people turned up for the popular walk, with the bonus of free entry to Fountains Abbey grounds and the carol concert held in the cellarium.
The yearly 4 mile walk is a pilgrimage intended to celebrate the time in 1132 when thirteen monks walked from Ripon to the area by the River Skell where they started their community and later built the abbey.
Boxing Day Walk
The start of the pilgrimage after the St Stephens Day service in the cathedral
Dean John at the head of the procession accompanying one of the young cross bearers
Walkers enjoying the sunshine on the hill walk up towards Saint Mary’s Church
A rousing carol service at the abbey cellarium
Honey bee skeps, reminiscent of those used for keeping bees by the monks
Every person and their dog, out to enjoy the company on the Boxing Day walk. Meet the Sausage Squad! 5 generations of a dachshund family.
The Mill Cafe, one of the 3 places to eat or drink in Fountains Abbey grounds
