Day 5: Richmond to Bedale

After Mass in St Joseph and St Francis Xavier church we descend the hill down to the river Swale. We walk alongside the river and past Richmond's “jewel in the crown” - their waterfall. Crossing the river on the road bridge, we then follow the river out of Richmond. Soon we are crossing countryside - if it is sunny expect to see sheep huddled in the shade of large trees. The next urban area is Colburn where we pass a small well stocked shop selling ice-creams and cold drinks before reaching St Cuthbert's church for a prayer stop. They have a loo. The next stage involves crossing a ford so be careful of wobbly stepping stones and, if you have them, use poles or at least go across in pairs. You may get wet feet if you aren't careful! Our next prayer stop is in Holy Trinity church in Tunstall. Our next stage is to go to the Greyhound Inn in Hackforth. You may see, and walk close to, many deer on the farms along the way. We expect to arrive at 14:15 and the landlord has agreed for us to eat our sandwiches inside the pub or order food off their menu (it includes pizzas). The route to Great Crakehall is along small country roads with some blind bends and small hills so take care. The prayer stop will be in St Gregory's church (that also has a loo). The final stage to Bedale is across countryside, a railway line (don't forget to “Stop, Look, Listen”) and along the edge of a sports field. We expect to arrive at Bedale's St Gregory's Church around 17:30.

Pilgrimage Newsfeed - Day 5

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Richmond Methodist Church

Richmond Methodist Church Richard Morris

Richmond Methodist Church veronique garnier-clair

Richmond Methodist Church veronique garnier-clair

St Joseph & St Francis Xavier Catholic Church, Richmond, in morning sunshine. We were early, ready to join the 9:30 Mass. Aidan Simons

The front markers leave Richmond before Mass Aidan Simons

Richmond John Chenery

St Joseph & St Francis Xavier, Richmond

St Joseph and St Francis Xavier Catholic Church John Chenery

Walking Day 4 - Station 4 at St Joseph and St Francis Xavier - Richmond Claire Glover

Inside of the church John Chenery

Richmond RC Church veronique garnier-clair

Richmond catholic church veronique garnier-clair

John D says goodbye for now veronique garnier-clair

Our Pilgrimage coinciding with the Camino Ingles, according to this sign Julian Glover

Richmond castle veronique garnier-clair

You wouldn't want to attack Richmond Castle from this direction veronique garnier-clair

Richmond castle veronique garnier-clair

There is water in the waterfall if you know where to look! Aidan Simons

Richmond waterfall again. Susan Adilz

Richmond Waterfall John Chenery

Richmond Bridge Danny Thomas

Richmond, viewed from the bridge John Chenery

Anne walked the Coast to Coast earlier in the Spring Michael McCabe

A bunch of pilgrims on a lovely bench veronique garnier-clair

St Cuthberts, Colburn

St Cuthbert's - a little uninspiring from the outside in the rain, but lovely inside, and such a warm welcome. Aidan Simons

Still life with cake! Claire Glover

St Cuthbert's, Colburn John Chenery

Fed and watered! veronique garnier-clair

St Cuthbert’s church Danny Thomas

Danny leads the reflection at Colburn Aidan Simons

The Ford Danny Thomas

Crossing the Rubicon Michael McCabe

Sticks acting as walking poles Michael McCabe

Francis crosses the Rubicon Michael McCabe

Ford or stepping stones? Take your pick (or walking pole) Aidan Simons

Across the stubble John Chenery

More encounters.... veronique garnier-clair

Everyone met on the way seems happy to hear about our pilgrimage veronique garnier-clair

More encounters.... veronique garnier-clair

Holy Trinity, Tunstall

Holy Trinity Tunstall Aidan Simons

Jane preparing for her reflection, Tunstall Aidan Simons

Horses on the Catwalk Danny Thomas

Pilgrim hedge Danny Thomas

Greyhound Inn, Hackforth

Lunch venue Aidan Simons

Some of us are enjoying the local ales Aidan Simons

Fed and watered! veronique garnier-clair

A friendly pub where we were welcome to eat our sandwiches! veronique garnier-clair

I only asked for two scoops! Danny Thomas

Outside of the pub veronique garnier-clair

Leaving the Greyhound Inn John Chenery

St Gregory's, Crakehall

St Gregory, Crakehall, our afternoon prayer stop Aidan Simons

St Gregory, Bedale

Chantry Hall, Bedale, our overnight stop Aidan Simons

A bed for a king (or queen) veronique garnier-clair

Lovely Indian meal Danny Thomas

The lunch-makers are on a roll... Aidan Simons

As an addendum to this day for comparison, here is what RIchmond Waterfall looked like in April John Chenery