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Achsah Pilgrimage Report by David Pott

So we set off for our morning walk to Old Bewick, taking a stop on the way to reflect and pray at the Purple Bridge.

We took turns with the ark and it was generally best if people of the same size, like Andy Raine and Martin Neal carried it together. Our lunchtime stop at Old Bewick was a major highlight where several others joined us in that special place so rich in memories for us.

In the afternoon we left the road to follow a delightful path along the River Till to Beanley. From there we walked steadily upwards in the beautiful sharp evening sunlight. As we approached our destination at Shepherd’s Law we were blessed with three or four skeins of geese flying past to lift our spirits before we walked up the steep slope to the Hermitage.

The Shepherd’s Law Hermitage was absolutely the perfect place for us to stay. Brother Harold welcomed us so warmly and we were deeply refreshed by joining him for his evening office in the stunningly beautiful chapel. It was warm too! There followed a superb meal prepared by Ian & Joy Corsie. Brother Harold joined us and we had one of those meals where everything was just right – the food, the place, the company the conversation. We went to bed with glad and thankful hearts.

I cannot overemphasise the value of our staying at Shepherd’s Law Hermitage. We feel it is now an important part of the Community’s story. We do hope more companions and friends will take the opportunity to go on retreat there in the coming years.

Once again the next morning dawned bright and sunny. We walked out beside the hermitage where we had an unhindered view back down the valley to the familiar hills which we have enjoyed from Hetton – this was for us “the place of no turning back”. Brother Harold joined us as we shared our morning office then we said our farewells and set off round Titlington Pike to the new views of Alnwick Moor which we would be crossing over later in the day.  

As we descended towards Bolton there were striking views of the sun breaking up the mist over the River Aln. After a short stop in the church at Bolton we walked on to Edlingham where we met up at the church and faithful Ian and Joy provided us with lunch. I don’t think any of us had been to this very striking Norman church before, which is built on the site of an earlier Saxon foundation – it will only be a 20 minute drive from Acton Home Farm and we think it should definitely be on the map for guests to visit.

The next stretch was the most challenging of the whole journey. Firstly there was quite a steep ascent up and over Alnwick Moor at Mare’s Rigg and then there was a gradual descent over tussocky grass to Shiel Dykes Farm. At that point the rain began to fall for the first time. Gill Yellowlees and Sue Toms were valiantly carrying the ark as we ascended a very slithery bank frequented by cattle and then crossed a boggy field and an even boggier woodland! Having passed this test, we regained a road and walked up to Newton on the Moor where Ian & Joy were there to give us a last boost of chocolate!

Catherine Askew who had been on preaching duty rejoined us for the final stretch along the old A1. We crossed over the A1 proper at Rashercap to go on a track to Acton Hall Farm. The night was pulling in quickly as we arrived so we planted the bulb and poured the Nether Springs water on the ground before saying our final prayers at the site where the chapel will be built.

I am so grateful that the vision was fulfilled pretty much exactly as I conceived it a few months ago. Special thanks to the other main walkers – Pete Askew, Terry Ansell, Gill Yellowlees and Sue Toms, to Catherine Askew for preparing the liturgy we used and to Ian & Joy for the food and wonderful support throughout. Pete and Ian also helped with the preparations. I am also very grateful for all the others who joined us for stretches, prayed for us and sent encouraging emails and text messages.

David Pott
25/11/2010