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Join the Bede's Way annual pilgrimage
Thursday 24 Jun 10

Join the Bede’s Way Annual Pilgrimage this weekend (26th June) and see for yourself the rich heritage and beauty which links the twin monastery of Wearmouth-Jarrow, which could be the region’s next World Heritage Site.

The 12-mile walk, which this year starts at St Paul’s Church, Jarrow, follows a path through the Great North Forest and ends at St Peter’s Church, Monkwearmouth. The Bede’s Way walk is a signposted route which can be walked all year round. The Annual Pilgrimage, marks St Peter and St Paul’s day on 29th June – the saints to which the monastery is still dedicated. The walk is an opportunity to demonstrate support for the Nomination of Wearmouth-Jarrow for World Heritage Status in 2011.

Created by Benedict Biscop in the 7th century, Wearmouth-Jarrow inspired the Venerable Bede to become the greatest scholar of his day – his works are still in use across the world over 13 centuries later. Both churches have parts of the original 7th century buildings still standing and extensive archaeology has revealed the largest collection of 7th century coloured glass in Europe.

If successful, Wearmouth-Jarrow will rank alongside other global landmarks such as the Taj Mahal, the Great Wall of China and the Pyramids.

The annual walk takes place on Saturday 26th June. The day will start at St Paul’s Church at 9.30am. Transport will be provided from St Peter’s returning to St Paul’s at 5pm. Please bring a packed lunch and dress for the weather.

Whilst the Bede’s Way walk can be enjoyed at anytime, participants of this years organized pilgrimage will have the chance to show support by signing one of the ‘Books of Life’ available at St Paul’s or St Peter’s Church.

Rt Rev Mark Bryant, Bishop of Jarrow and chair of the Wearmouth-Jarrow Partnership commented: “We are encouraging people from across the North East to support the quest for the twin monastery to become a World Heritage Site in 2011. Anyone is welcome to join us on the walk on Saturday.

If you can’t take part in the walk you can still support the bid either by visiting www.wearmouth-jarrow.org.uk and completing an online survey or filling in a form at one of the venues linked to the bid. In Sunderland they are at the Sunderland Museum and Winter Gardens, the National Glass Centre and St Peter’s Church, in South Tyneside there’s a book at Bede’s World and St Paul’s Church.”