Important information about the 2nd Pilgrimage of Whorlton Benefice to the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Grace on the 2nd of May 2022 (this information includes risk assessment)
Only those who registered can join our pilgrimage
- The pilgrimage (walk) begins at 9:00 a.m. on the 2nd of May (Monday) 2022.
- Gathering place – outside the church of the Holy Cross in Swainby.
- Make sure you have the appropriate gear and clothing (appropriate walking waterproof footwear, rain jacket, warm trousers and top, etc.)
- If the weather forecast is very bad the pilgrimage will be cancelled or postponed.
- The difficulty of the walk = from easy to moderate.
- Time of the walk – 2 hours from the church in Swainby to the Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Grace and 2 hours for walking back using the same way (the walk goes along the national trail (the Cleveland Way)
- Distance – about 3 miles (one way) and back.
- Bring with you packed lunch and drink (hot drink can be very helpful if it is a cold day)
- Be careful while walking through the village of Swainby (about 0,5 miles) as there are cars and bicycles operating in the village)
- There will be one crossing place across the road with local traffic – be careful when crossing the road
- Do not walk near the cliffs or the hills edges. The way goes quite far the cliffs and edges, so there is no need to walk on the edges or/and cliffs.
- There are a few areas with steep hills
- Be careful when walking on muddy and slippery parts of the way
- Cross fields with livestock calmly and quietly
- Keep you dogs under control
- Children can only walk with parents or legal guardians who are fully responsible for their children’s well-being
- Follow the Countryside Code for England and Wales. Leave gates and property as you find them.
- The shrine of Our Lady of Mt Grace belongs to the Diocese of Middlesborough of the Roman Catholic Church. We have a permission of the Diocesan Catholic Bishop to use the shrine/chapel for our prayer. We should respect the uniqueness of this place
- Follow any local warnings and signs, and advice walkers to keep away from the edge.
- We will carry the First Aid kit and thermal blanket in case if needed
- The first aider is Dr Mike Orr
- Act responsibly and remember that you are responsible for your own behaviour
- Respect other walkers, behaviour quietly and peacefully as this is a religious and spiritual walk during which we try to pray and connect with God and/or our own souls.
- The pilgrimage will finish by 3:00 p.m. at the church in Swainby.
- There is also possibility to walk privately to the old church of the Holy Cross in Whorlton after the pilgrimage is completed.
The Pilgrimage Registration Point is in the Church Hall in Swainby (behind the church).
If you want to take part in the pilgrimage, it is important to register.
Revd Robert Opala
Rector