A Pilgrimage in the Diocese of Hexham & Newcastle

Terence Cavanagh • August 31, 2026

In August 2026 Terence Cavanagh undertook a solo pilgrimage in the Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle from the Lady's Well at Holystone in the Cheviots to St Mary's Cathedral in Newcastle. This is the story of his pilgrimage.


Details

  • Weather: sunny 
  • OS explorer maps OL16, OL42, 316
  • Four and a half days / 55 miles 


Accommodation

  • Rothbury - Newcastle House B&B budget accommodation 
  • Kirkwelpington - guest house evening meal + breakfast 
  • Ponteland- The Diamond Inn apartments B&B
  • Jesmond - Jesmond Dene Hotel evening meal + breakfast 


Day One: Holystone to Rothbury - 9.5 miles 

Lady's Well was more than l could have hoped for, a wonderful tranquil place, where our ancestors would have been baptised.

Highlights: the proximity and view of the river Cocquet. Local shops and restaurants.


Day Two: Rothbury to Kirkwelpington -16 miles 

Highlights: the silence of Simonside Fell carpeted in purple heather.

Wildlife: fox, deer, hares, mountain bumble bee, herd of belted black and white cattle.


Day Three: Kirkwelpington to Ponteland - 16.5 miles 

Highlights: a hidden byway on the outskirts of Kirkwelpington.

Wildlife: swallows preparing for their migration

  • Cafe and toilet at Kirkhale 
  • The Institute at Capheaton is open at weekends 10am to 4pm for teas and snacks
  • Local shops and restaurants 


Day Four: Ponteland to Jesmond - 10 miles 

Morning service at St Matthew's Catholic Church 

A detour along the Tyne and Wear heritage trail and then use the Metro tram south of the Airport for 7 stops into Jesmond.

Highlights: relaxing afternoon at the hotel and a sauna at the nearby leisure facility.


Day Five: Jesmond to St Mary's Cathedral - 3.5 miles 

Morning walk through Jesmond Dene, visiting the remains of St Mary's shrine, then into the city for midday mass at the Cathedral.

Returning to North Wales from Newcastle central railway station.


Terence Cavanagh 


"Father , Son and Holy Spirit. Help us to act justly, love tenderly and walk humbly through our lives with you. Amen"


Find out more about the Holystone Way below

THE HOLYSTONE WAY

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