MORE than 1,500 pilgrims took part in this year’s traditional Boxing Day Pilgrimage from Ripon Cathedral to Fountains Abbey.

Both taking part in their first Boxing Day Pilgrimage, the ever-popular four mile walk was led by the Bishop of Knaresborough, the Very Reverend James Bell, who was joined by the new Dean of Ripon, the Very Reverend John Dobson.

Bishop James, now the Area Bishop for the Ripon Episcopal Area in the new diocese of West Yorkshire and the Dales, was handed the baton last Christmas by the retiring Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, John Packer - who had led 14 previous pilgrimages.

Speaking at the concluding service of carols and prayers in the Cellarium of Fountains Abbey, Bishop James said he was conscious of following in his predecessors footsteps.

He said:“As we walked in the footsteps of those 12th century Cistercian monks who set off from Ripon Cathedral on December 26, 1132, I was also conscious that I was following Bishop John Packer, the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds who led this pilgrimage for 14 years and loved every minute of it.”

The Pilgrimage began with a service of Holy Communion in Ripon Cathedral before crowds gathered on the Cathedral West Front.

Bishop Bell and Dean Dobson lead the walk down Kirkgate, following the River Skell out of the city, through the Studley Royal Deer Park and on to the National Trust site at Fountains Abbey.

Hundreds more swelled the numbers as the walkers entered the National Trust grounds and packed into the cellarium of the ancient monastery where mulled wine was served and the service of carols took place led by Stray Brass Band.