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NEWCASTLE CATHEDRAL
A BEACON OF LIGHT
Cathedral Cycle Route 2025: Music to Our Ears
Published May 2025
Newcastle Cathedral – England’s most northerly Church of England cathedral – is preparing to welcome cyclists from across the country again this summer as part of a growing movement of pedal-powered pilgrimage.
Now in its fifth year, the Cathedrals Cycle Route is a 2,000-mile loop connecting all 42 Church of England cathedrals. Designed to promote mental and physical wellbeing, sustainable travel and spiritual exploration, the route caters to everyone – from those completing short segments to dedicated riders undertaking the full circular journey.
Launched from Newcastle Cathedral in 2021, the initiative has since evolved into a celebration of community, connection and the great outdoors.
Many cathedrals offer a unique stamp or sticker for visiting cyclists’ Pilgrim Passports, available from the Association of English Cathedrals.
Jacki Patrickson, member of Durham Redstarts women’s cycling group and ride leader for British Cycling Breeze, says: “The Cathedrals Cycle Route has taken us to places we’d never thought to visit and opened our eyes to the history of the country. Each cathedral has been unique and beautiful – and we’re always met with a warm welcome.”
The Redstarts will return to Newcastle again this year as part of their travels.
The route began as a PhD project by Dr Shaun Cutler at Northumbria University, who says: “The Cathedrals Cycle Route welcomes everyone. Born during the challenges of COVID, it was created to foster connection and a shared sense of purpose, embracing people from all walks of life.
“Now, five years on, unity feels more important than ever. We’re excited for the 2025 relay to bring people together in celebrating the beauty of England’s cathedrals and the vibrant communities that surround them.”
Photos of Durham Redstarts members (and their bikes!) during a previous visit.
This year’s relay begins on Saturday 24 May at Bradford Cathedral – the UK City of Culture 2025 – and arrives in Newcastle on Tuesday 1 July, where participants and supporters will be warmly welcomed to mark the occasion.
The relay baton – a bespoke bronze sculpture – has been on display at Newcastle Cathedral since the inaugural relay and was ceremonially passed earlier this year from The Very Revd Lee Batson, Dean of Newcastle, to The Very Revd Andy Bowerman, Dean of Bradford.
Before the official relay reaches Newcastle, two inspiring ‘cycle pilgrimages’ will make stops at the Cathedral:
- On Friday 16 May, Jonathan Mayes, CEO of the Cathedral Music Trust, will arrive as part of his Choral Adventure – a national fundraising ride supporting cathedral music, choirs and organs across the UK. His journey, inspired by the Cathedrals Cycle Route, coincides with the Trust’s national gathering in Newcastle. You can follow updates from Jonathan’s travels via the Cathedral Music Trust website.
- On Monday 19 May, Kenneth Wilson will visit as part of his 2,000-mile pilgrimage to all 42 Anglican cathedrals – travelling with his cello and performing a powerful meditation on the Passion of Christ in 40 of them. His free recital at 2:10pm combines original poetry with the music of J.S. Bach and promises to be a moving experience. Click here to find out more.
Above: The Dean of Newcastle passes the relay baton to the Dean of Bradford. Right: Kenneth Wilson takes to the road with his cello.
The Revd Canon Ruth Hulse, Newcastle Cathedral’s Canon for Worship & Congregational Life, reflects: “Whether arriving by bike or drawn in by music, people continue to find meaning and connection here. We’re proud to be part of the Cathedrals Cycle Route and to welcome pilgrims and cyclists from across the country – each journey reminds us that our cathedrals are living spaces for all.”
The Cathedrals Cycle Route is a partnership between Sustrans, Cycling UK, the British Pilgrimage Trust, and the Association of English Cathedrals.
The route is divided into 42 sections, making it accessible and adaptable for all. Find out more and start planning your journey at:
cyclinguk.org/cathedrals-cycle-route-challenge
For press enquiries, please contact Peter Cumiskey, Marketing & Communications Manager at Newcastle Cathedral, at peter.cumiskey@newcastlecathedral.org.uk.