THE NORTHERN SAINTS

The northeast of Britain has long been associated with the stories of the ancient saints, notably St Cuthbert and St Aiden. The impact of these spiritual pioneers from the dawn of Christianity remains imprinted on the landscape of County Durham and Northumberland today, with more than 100 ancient stone churches, many dating from the Saxon period, plus various spiritual sites, and pilgrimage routes. The region is celebrating its ancient heritage with six new pilgrim routes, known collectively as The Northern Saints. These linear walking trails, based on ancient pilgrimage pathways, chart the spiritual history of the northeast as the Christian crossroads of the British Isles. “The northern Saints cared deeply about the people of this region,” says Helen Savage, the vicar representing the Moorland churches, including Blanchland Abbey. “Their intense commitment has helped to keep the flame alive for the work in these parts.”

The golden age of British