I’m on a roll. The Walsingham Camino completed in March, The St. James’ Way finished a couple of weeks ago and I have a big one coming up later in the year, that I’m itching to start; my energy and soul is currently fully recharged.
Keen to keep the momentum going, I’ve found a 3 day pilgrimage across the Yorkshire Dales – Although in my typical style, I’m doing it in 2!
St. Alkelda’s Way, 52km from Giggleswick to Middleham. Passing through Conistone, Kettlewell and Carlton. It crosses the rolling moorlands and limestone dales of this UK national park.
This obscure North Yorkshire saint is linked to villages of Giggleswick and Middleham each with churches in her name. She was an Anglo-Saxon noblewoman who travelled between the two villages, performing baptisms at the numerous holy wells along the path. However she was captured and strangled to death by a Viking woman.
Although this medieval story has become legend in the area, there is some doubt as to its authenticity. Historians believe the name ‘Alkelda’s is from the mashup of an old English and Norse word Halig Keld which means Sacred Well or Holy Spring. ‘Halig’ being Anglo-Saxon for holy/sacred and ‘Keld’ being Norse for spring/well.
Which would be appropriate with the many springs in the area.
BnBs all booked as the hostels are full for when I intend to walk. There is a surprising number of places to stay and pubs on this route. This could potentially be a little gem.
Now all I have to do is finish off my video for the ‘St. James’ Way’ and count down the days!
Stu's Camino 