Coast 2 coast pilgrimage
Following in the footsteps of St. Aidan
Humility, Generosity and Compassion
Welcome to our 2026 pilgrimage. We will attempt to cycle from St Bee’s in Cumbria across the country following St Aidan’s journey to Holy Island. He travelled to Holy Island in 635 AD to re-establish Christianity in our Country, Founding his base at Lindisfarne. He travelled preaching, establishing churches and schools as he went. Inspired by his mission and teaching we to will journey to Lindisfarne, cycling approximately 100km each day. Stopping at hotels overnight and finishing lunch time on Holy Island Sunday. With time to visit the Lindisfarne Priory and to pray as we go for the re-evangelisation of our country.
Booking will close on 31st January.
We will be leaving Bedworth late Thursday (4th June) afternoon and staying at a hotel in St Bee’s. Then Friday and Saturday night stopping at hotels and finishing lunch time on Holy Island Sunday. There will be time to visit the Lindisfarne Priory and to pray for the evangelisation of our country. Whilst there is a focus on the activity of cycling. The reason for the trip is as a pilgrimage and there will be spiritual input each day.
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Friday and Saturday will be long days on the bike. We will be covering around 100km each day. So, if you aren’t used to cycling these distances then do get plenty of practise in ahead of the tip. Sunday will be a shorter ride with time to pray and visit the priory on Holy Island.
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We will be leaving Bedworth 5pm on the Thursday 4th June and driving up to St Bees. There will probably be a couple of 9-seater cars and a large van to carry our bikes and luggage. Each day the route starts and finishes at our hotel and the support team will travel with us carrying our luggage.
The support team will also meet us on route each day at 3 pre-arranged points and have spare water for us. They will be able to look after your snacks and food and will have it ready for you at the rest stops along the way.
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The cost for the trip will be £225 this includes transport and accommodation. Accommodation will be in ensuite twin bedrooms. It doesn’t cover food or any extras (snacks, drinks etc.). The cost is slightly higher than the Three Peaks due to needing three nights accommodation. There are recommendations for places to eat each day but you are free to chose other places to each. The hotels we are staying at offer breakfast and dinner each day if you wish.
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You are welcome to use an electric bike if you wish. Please speak to the organisers (Dave J and Dave P) to talk through logistics of charging etc. Do make sure you have your bike insured and any personal or public liability insurance you might want for yourself. There are specialist providers like Bikmo who can advise and provide cover.
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Key Dates
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Bookings Close – 31st January
Practice Cycle Day – Saturday 21st February
Planning evening – 14th April 7:30pm at All Saints Bedworth
Leave – 5pm 4th June from All Saints
Frequently Asked Questions
How fit do I need to be to do the pilgrimage?
To cycle the 255km, you should be reasonably fit and have good stamina. The trip is over 100km each day(shorter Sunday) and can take between seven and nine hours.
Here are some things to consider:
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Weather - Clear skies and reasonable temperatures make the cycle easier. Rain and high winds will make it more difficult.
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Equipment - A good quality and recently serviced road bike will make all the difference. If you wish you can cycle an electric bike.
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Fitness - You should be able to cycle 100km on flat ground before attempting the pilgrimage. If you're not a regular cyclist then you will find it challenging. ​
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What do I do if I need advice about clothing or equipment?
In the first instance get in touch with Dave Jones dave@stnicolaschurch.org.uk and he will be able to direct kit questions to the most appropriate person.