HUNDREDS of walkers put their best feet forward today to take part in a traditional Boxing Day pilgrimage.
The four mile walk from Ripon Cathedral to Fountains Abbey in North Yorkshire, follows in the footsteps of a group of 12th century Cistercian monks.
The walkers included the Bishop of Ripon and Leeds, the Right Reverend John Packer and the Dean of Ripon, the Very Reverend Keith Jukes, who was taking part in his first Boxing Day pilgrimage since being installed on March 3.
He has also been leading his first Advent and Christmas carol services and events in the city.
"I am delighted to be in Ripon and we are seeing huge attendances which are up on previous years - full houses at event after event throughout December," he said.
"It marks what I perceive to be a huge interest in spirituality and it is a wonderful opportunity to proclaim the Christmas message."
The pilgrimage follows the route taken by thirteen Cistercian monks from St Mary's Abbey in York, who stayed in Ripon on Christmas Day 1132, before walking on to found Fountains Abbey on St Stephen's Day. The pilgrimage went through the Studley Royal estate and the Studley Lakeside entrance of Fountains Abbey.
Yesterday's event concluded with a short service of carols and prayers in the ruins of the abbey.
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