Fountains Ways – Ancient Paths for Modern Pilgrims Launching Soon
12 Mar 2026
Three modern pilgrimage routes linking village churches across rural parishes in the Fountains Benefice will be officially launched on 21 March.
The trails connect eight Anglican churches, each with their own unique history and character:
- St Andrew’s Church, Kirkby Malzeard – dating from the 12th century
- St Lawrence Church, Aldfield – built in the 18th century
- St James Church, Grewelthorpe – 19th century
- St John the Evangelist Church, Mickley – 19th century
- St Michael and All Angels Church, Sawley – 19th century
- St Mary’s Church, Studley Royal – 19th century
- St Cuthbert and St Oswald Church, Winksley – 20th century
- Chapel of the Resurrection, Dallowgill – 20th century
These three routes connect churches within the Fountains Benefice and are designed to offer peaceful walking experiences, attractive village settings and opportunities for reflection.
All three are circular routes, two of which are 7-miles starting from Kirby Malzard and the third route is 9-miles passing through historic Studley Royal Park and nearby Fountains Abbey.
Organisers hope the combination of peaceful churches and beautiful scenery will encourage both residents and visitors to explore the area and return to complete all three routes.
Each church welcomes visitors and many include “Church Explorer” quests, encouraging families and curious visitors to discover the buildings and their stories.
Guided flyers for each trail will be available after the launch from the Mashamshire Community Office and are also available as a digital map below.
Fishers Way
Fishers’ Way is a circular walking route connecting the villages of Kirkby Malzeard, Grewelthorpe and Mickley, passing through the spectacular woodland landscape of Hackfall Woods. The trail offers a mix of village heritage and natural beauty, making it ideal for walkers seeking a peaceful countryside experience.
PDF Map – Click here
Curlew Way
Curlew Way is a circular route linking the rural communities of Kirkby Malzeard, Galphay, Winksley and Laverton. Named after the iconic curlew bird often heard across the surrounding farmland, the route highlights the quiet charm of North Yorkshire’s rural parishes.
PDF Map – Click here
Abbots Way
The nine-mile Abbot’s Way forms a circular trail between Winksley, Aldfield, Sawley and Studley Royal. The route passes close to Fountains Abbey, once one of England’s most powerful medieval monasteries, giving walkers a chance to reflect on the region’s heritage.
PDF Map – Click here
