THE Archbishop of York has proved he is willing to go all the way for his faith – after completing his epic, six-month long Pilgrimage of Prayer.

Dr John Sentamu trekked the length and breadth of the Diocese of York during his daunting walk, carried out in a series of stages.

And the data from his smart phone reveals just how much effort that entailed, showing he took well over 1.5 million steps and covered nearly 1,600 miles.

“The longest walk on the Pilgrimage was a 16-mile trek along the route from Wilton to Redcar, and out onto The Gare – the most northerly point of the Diocese of York,” he said.

“In total I have walked 1,578 miles wearing my reliable Chris Brasher boots and with my walking poles.

“I have taken 1,627,226 steps. I have climbed 1,204 floors. I have walked in all weathers, rain, wind, hail, sleet, snow and glorious sunshine.”

The Pilgrimage across the 2,661 sq mile diocese - which began on December 1 in St Mary’s Church, Whitby, finished on Sunday (May 22) at York Minster.

The Archbishop added: “I am energised and have been so encouraged by the people that I have met in factories, on farms and on the streets.”

The Pilgrimage journeyed through 21 deaneries and the Archbishop was hosted by a widower or widow in each and stayed with his host, returning to Bishopthorpe Palace at York for one night of the week only.