More than a thousand pilgrims follow in the snowy footsteps of monks who founded Fountains Abbey

More than a thousand people have taken part in this year's traditional Boxing Day Pilgrimage from Ripon Cathedral to Fountains Abbey, following in the steps of a group of Cistercian Monks who founded the Abbey in 1132 AD. National Trust staff counted through 1086 walkers, led by the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, the Rt Revd John Packer, as they streamed through the Studley Royal lakeside entrance to the World Heritage Site, the midway point of the 4 mile pilgrimage

This year’s walk through the spectacular scenery of the Studley Deer Park and the Studley Royal water gardens was also a walk through a winter wonderland of snow and ice, which took place in bright sunshine.

Before the pilgrims set off, a service of Holy Communion took place at 9.30am at the Cathedral led by the Dean of Ripon, the Very Revd Keith Jukes and Bishop Packer. Churchgoers and non-churchgoers alike, from throughout the region and beyond, joined the pilgrimage, which concluded with a short service of carols and prayers in the ruins of the National Trust Fountains Abbey site.

Bishop John Packer speaking as he led the pilgrimage towards Fountains Abbey said, “For me the Boxing Day Pilgrimage is one of the highlights of the year - even more so on a crisp winter morning. Today is has been absolutely spectacular. It speaks of God's hand in nature, and the glory of both the buildings of Fountains Abbey and their setting.”