16/07/2026
A discovery among a dusty pile of discarded items in Giggleswick led to the creation of a very beautiful 33-miles route through the Yorkshire Dales, with lesser visited churches and villages at either end, and commemorates a woman who lived in the 9th/10th century. The St. Alkelda way starts at St Alkelda, Giggleswick (home of the famous school), and passes through Settle, Malham, Kettlewell, up Park Rash (hilly!), through gorgeous Coverdale up to Middleham.
This self-guided pilgrimage walk might be a good first step (ha!) for anyone perhaps inspired by the BBC Pilgrimage programme? It's just 33 miles long and mainly follows ancient tracks and routes such as Mastiles Lane.
The route was inspired by the discovery of an old stained glass panel in a heap of other things at Gigglewick Parish Hall, depicting St Alkelda’s martyrdom by strangulation at the hands of
two Danish women. She was known for her use of holy wells for the baptism of converts, but lived in tumultuous times. Thankfully the route is now much more peaceful and beautiful with changing landscapes and attractive villages at either end.
