About
Welcome to a breath-taking trail that transports you from the dawn of Christianity through to contemporary pilgrimage via Dark Ages battles that changed a region’s faith, abbeys that matched Rome for majesty and a stunning seminary that taught England ’s leading ecclesiastics.
The remote Way of Light provides a larger-than-life low-down on Christianity’s illustrious history in the North East. It starts at the site of a battle victory for the pious future king and saint Oswald, a win that vanquished theregion’s invaders, reunited Northumbria and brought about its Christianisation. It proceeds via historic Hexham and its abbey, and pauses alongside one of the most wondrous testimonies to Catholic faith ever built in Northern England, one-time seminary Ushaw: Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, a glamorous ensemble of Gothic Revival edifices, chapels and gardens.
But settlements are few and far between on this route.
What impresses just as much are the fabulous, far-reaching views from the valleys, forests and fells that form the finest upland scenery on any of the six Northern Saints Trails.
Like a guiding light at journey’s end is Durham Cathedral, with St Cuthbert’s Shrine, but also 12th century wall paintings depicting St Oswald opposite St Cuthbert. For whilst the latter’s cult might have given rise to the cathedral, without the former the North East’s Golden Age and pivotal role in the spread of Christianity may never have come about at all.
The Northern Saints Passport allows visitors to collect stamps at attractions and places to eat and drink along the six Northern Saints routes. Look out for venues that showcase the passport icon on the Northern Saints Trails website. View the current participating venues, with new locations added regularly.
The Northern Saints Trails Visitor Guide is a 55-page full colour guide that includes route descriptions and maps of the six Northern Saints Trails.
Purchase the Northern Saints Passport and the Northern Saints Trails Visitor Guide.
Book Online – The Way of Light walking holiday.
For full route descriptions download the documents below.
Video
- Way of Light
TripAdvisor
Access Information
Highlights...
Durham Castle, Durham CityDurham Castle is part of the Durham City World Heritage Site. Entrance by guided tour only. Opening can vary - All enquiries re guided tours should be directed Palace Green Library. Telephone 0191 334 2932 or castle.tours@durham.ac.uk.
Durham Cathedral, Durham CityThought by many to be the finest example of Norman church architecture in England, with the tombs of St Cuthbert and The Venerable Bede. Please check opening times before travelling.
World Heritage Site Visitor Centre at Palace Green Library, Durham CityProviding a perfect introduction to the Durham World Heritage Site for all ages, the visitor centre is the gateway to discovering what it is that makes Durham so significant, and what there is to see and do around the peninsula.
Hadrian's WallThe UNESCO World Heritage Site of Hadrian's Wall is the perfect day out. Explore its ancient archaeology. Find out more at NewcastleGateshead today.
Ushaw Historic House, Chapels and Gardens, DurhamUshaw is set in the beautiful Durham countryside and houses architectural gems by Augustus Pugin and his followers. This amazing venue offers a wide variety of activities, events and exhibitions - something for all ages!
Durham Cathedral Museum, Durham CityExplore 2000 years of the North East’s history, culture and faith at Durham Cathedral Museum. Step into the octagonal Great Kitchen and get up close to iconic symbols of Durham, including the Sanctuary Ring and St Cuthbert’s Pectoral Cross.
Historic Libraries & Archives at Palace Green Library, Durham CityOver almost two centuries since Durham University was founded, our library and archive collections have been growing and evolving with new books, manuscripts and archives being added every year.
Hexham Abbey, HexhamVisit Hexham Abbey and step back in time! Take in the peaceful atmosphere, ancient architectural treasures and beautiful stained glass. Visit our interactive exhibition, The Big Story, and enjoy some home-made refreshments in our Refectory Café.
Devil's Water, HexhamThe Devil's Water is a river in Northumberland, which is a tributary of the River Tyne. The Devil's Water is aproximately 16km long, flowing roughly north-eastwards past Whitley Chapel and Dilston, to join the Tyne just south-west of Corbridge.
Hexham, HexhamHexham town centre is filled with winding streets and amazing attractions such as Hexham Abbey. Once the marauding haunt of Viking over 1300 year ago the town has flourished into a place of worship an was founded by the Northumbrian saint and bishop Wilfrid in 674. Hexham has a buzzing cultural…
Blanchland, BlanchlandThe picturesque Blanchland was built from stones from the remains of the 12th century Blanchland Abbey. Set between Northumberland and the Durham border in the North Pennines Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty.
Muggleswick, Derwent Gorge & Muggleswick Woods, MuggleswickMuggleswick is situated a few miles to the west of Consett. The village has a number of farms and domestic dwellings as well as the Church of England church, generally accepted as dedicated to All Saints. Near the church there are the ruins of a priory, once a hunting lodge for the Prior of Durham,…
St John Lee Parish Chruch, HexhamEstablished in the 10th century, the church appears to have been built on the site of the oratory dedicated to St Michael. The name means St John in the field/clearing in the wood. The area in which it surrounds was covered with forest - hence the names Acomb (place of the oaks) and Oakwood. A…
Heavenfield Battle Site, HexhamThe Battle of Heavenfield was fought between a Northumbrian army under Oswald of Bernicia and a Welsh army under Cadwallon ap Cadfan of Gwynedd. The battle resulted in a decisive Northumbrian victory.
Slaley Forest, BlanchlandSlaley Forest is the perfect way to get outdoors and explore some of the North Pennines most beautiful landscapes. Overlooking Derwent Reservoir, Slaley Forest is home to a selection of forest roads which give you access to the forest. Slaley forest welcomes a variety of users from walkers,…
Hexham Old Gaol, HexhamExperience first hand what life was really like for prisoners in the 1300s. Find outt more about the Border Reivers – local families including the Charltons, Dodds, Milburns and Robsons, famous for causing trouble. We house a wide variety of books, photos ad music within our Border Library…
St Mary's Church, BlanchlandBlanchland got its name from the white habits worn by monks of the Premonstratensian order who founded Blanchland Abbey.
Lanchester Village, LanchesterThe picturesque village of Lanchester, located 8 miles west of Durham City, proves a fabulous spot for anyone who enjoys walking and cycling.
North Pennines National Landscape, IreshopeburnThe North Pennines National Landscape incorporates much of the Durham Dales, and is a stunning landscape of open heather moors, dramatic dales, tumbling upland rivers, wonderful woods, close-knit communities, glorious waterfalls, fantastic birds, colourful hay meadows, stone-built villages,…