Walking with the Northern Saints: Mthr Liz’s 340-mile pilgrimage journey

The Revd Liz Devall has completed a remarkable 340-mile pilgrimage inspired by the Northern Saints, combining prayer, walking, history and fundraising in a journey that raised donations for St Matthew’s Church, Chadderton, St Anne’s Longsight, Royton and Dr Kershaw’s Hospice.

Over the summer, Liz took part in Walk with the Northern Saints, a virtual pilgrimage to Lindisfarne that follows in the footsteps of some of the North’s most influential Christian figures. While the route itself was virtual, the miles were very real, with Liz walking more than 340 miles and marking her progress towards Holy Island along the way.

The pilgrimage almost never happened.

Reflecting on how it began, Liz said: “I had thought about doing the pilgrimage and then decided against it because I thought it would take up too much time. Then on Trinity Sunday morning the first reading was from Isaiah and the final words were, ‘You shall walk and not faint.’ It felt like God was giving me a nudge. I announced my plans at the notices and set off on the pilgrimage later that day”

Throughout the journey, Liz shared photographs, prayers, poems and reflections through parish newsletters, social media and A Church Near You, inviting others to travel alongside her. Her pilgrimage combined local walks with visits to some of the North’s most significant Christian sites, including Whitby Abbey, Huddersfield Cathedral, Wakefield Cathedral, Manchester Cathedral and the Community of the Resurrection at Mirfield.

The pilgrimage introduced followers to saints who helped shape Christianity in northern England, including St Hilda of Whitby, St Aidan and St Cuthbert, whose legacy continues to draw pilgrims to Lindisfarne today.

Yet the journey was not simply about reaching famous destinations. Walking through Royton Park, along local canals and through neighbourhoods across Oldham, Liz paused to pray for churches, schools, clergy and communities. The pilgrimage also offered opportunities to discover local landmarks such as Alkrington Woods and Foxdenton Hall, while moments of beauty along the way, from wildflowers and butterflies to spectacular sunrises, provided inspiration for prayer and reflection.

Throughout the pilgrimage, in rain and sunshine, Liz was joined by her constant companion Winnie, along with friends and supporters. Liz also reconnected with people she had known through previous parishes, placements and ministry. She also met many new people along the way, leading to conversations about faith, pilgrimage and church life.

Looking back on the experience, Liz said: “It was a wonderful thing to do, but it was hard work, and to get some of the sunrise photos it meant very early starts, sometimes at 4 o’clock. I met lots of people as I walked and had some great conversations. Lots of people began to follow both Facebook pages and clearly followed along with the pilgrimage.”

Among those inspired by the project was St Anne’s parishioner Lynda Hamer, who undertook her own challenge to walk the direct 200-mile route to Lindisfarne while also raising sponsorship.

Supporters sponsored Liz’s walks, helping raise an incredible £3,437.62. Both churches donated half of the money they raised to Dr Kershaw’s Hospice. St Matthew’s contributed £568 and St Anne’s contributed £1,150, meaning the hospice received a total of £1,718. The remaining funds will support the mission and ministry of the two churches.

The fundraising concluded with a visit from Tom Hall of Dr Kershaw’s Community Partnerships and Events Team, who received a cheque on behalf of the hospice.

Congratulations to Mthr Liz, her faithful companion Winnie and everyone who supported, sponsored and followed this inspiring pilgrimage journey.