CAPTION: The first group of pilgrims to try the new Lee Abbey to Lundy Way with St Helen's Church in the background
Devon Bishops Launch New Lee Abbey to Lundy Island Pilgrimage
A new pilgrimage route to Lundy Island has been launched by the Bishop of Exeter and Bishop of Crediton.
The Lee Abbey to Lundy Way starts at St Mary’s church in Lynton and ends at St Helen’s church on Lundy Island.
The Rt. Rev’d Dr Mike Harrison and Rt. Rev’d Moira Astin made their debut trips to the island on Thursday 14 August, along with members of local churches for a special service to celebrate the new route.
In summer the pilgrimage includes the two-hour ferry journey across the Bristol Channel from Ilfracombe to Lundy. In winter the island is accessed by helicopter.
The route starts at Lee Abbey, near Lynton
En route, pilgrims are encouraged to pass through the Lee Abbey Christian Retreat Centre, next to the Valley of the Rocks, near Lynton, to receive a blessing for the journey ahead.
Rev’d Catherine Vaughan, a chaplain at Lee Abbey, said “Pilgrimage gives us the chance to walk at a slower pace, enjoying God’s creation and encountering him in ways different to the busyness of daily life.
“Here at Lee Abbey we are excited to be able to pray a blessing over people as they start or finish this new pilgrimage route which passes through the stunning countryside of North Devon.”
The new route is part of the Diocese of Exeter’s Devon Pilgrim project, which encourages walkers to experience the spirituality of Devon’s ancient churches and holy places as well as enjoying the beauty and variety of its landscapes.
The Lee Abbey to Lundy Way is the fifth Devon Pilgrim route.
Rev’d Jane Skinner (pictured here with Bishop Moira) has chosen goats to symbolise the pilgrimage route
It was devised by Rev’d Jane Skinner, a north Devon vicar who counts Lundy island as one of her nine parishes.
She said “How exciting to have the ‘cure of souls’ of an island! I’ve also appreciated Lee Abbey as a community of Christians from all over the world. I thought it would be lovely to bring the two together with a pilgrimage route joining them.
“Pilgrimage is having a moment after several TV series about it. I’m really keen that everyone feels they can have a go without needing to travel abroad.”
There is evidence of ancient stone memorials that Christianity has been present on Lundy Island for more than 1600 years.
The island is owned by the National Trust, managed by the Landmark Trust, and is known for its wildlife, including puffins, seals, wild goats and ponies and rare fauna and flora.
The route involves a two hour ferry journey to Lundy or helicopter ride
Jane said “The birds on Lundy migrate huge distances and here we are, travelling through an inspiring environment and being transformed in the process.”
“I love the call of the wild rugged cliffs, looking across Exmoor and arriving on Lundy itself.”
She said: “You can feel connected to the Celtic saints who set out to explore, inspired by the Holy Spirit and with the Good News of Jesus to share.”
Jane has chosen the wild goats of Lundy and Lynton to symbolise the pilgrimage. She has also written reflections for each stage of the route and people are encouraged to pause at the churches along the way to collect stamps for pilgrim passports which are included with the route guide.
There are churches at Lynton, Martinhoe, Trentishoe, Combe Martin, Berrynarbor, Ilfracombe and finally St Helens on Lundy.
Speaking on Lundy after a church service to dedicate the new pilgrimage route, The Bishop of Exeter, the Rt. Rev’d Mike Harrison, said “I am delighted to be here, I used to gaze with longing at Lundy from Woolacombe beach on family holidays as a child.
“This is a place with a very long, deep, Christian spirituality associated with it. You can feel that as you walk around. We’ve been reflecting on the beauty of this place, but also the profound meaning of the history and spirituality of it.”
Jane said she would encourage anyone to step outside their everyday lives for a few days to walk the route: “Here is a chance to walk on the earth,” she said. “This is time to slow down, reflect, rejoice and gain a sense of achievement.”
