Report on Walking Week
This was my very first taste of CPW, though I first heard about it years ago through a friend. It sounded good and I wanted to go deeper, but an opportunity never seemed to present itself. Then much to my surprise she contacted me because I live in Yorkshire, and asked if I would be interested in this 'walking' week at Ampleforth.
Once I had looked at the CPW website and spoken to the organizer, Mike Willcox, I knew that this seemed the ideal and safe place for a single lady to spend a week in a beautiful setting with like-minded and welcoming people. I looked forward to the opportunity for private prayer and reflection as well as the wonderful nature walks and visits.
The Walking week was based at Ampleforth Abbey, about 20 miles north of York, on the edge of the North York Moors National Park. Ampleforth Abbey is a monastery of Benedictine monks, a wonderful choice of location for a spiritual week.
We had a private retreat building directly opposite the Abbey. Each person had an en-suite room and there was a private chapel in the building as well as a large comfortable lounge where we could relax and where we held our briefings and meetings. There was also a kitchen/dining room and a library and the most exquisite gardens surrounding the building.
The week was perfectly planned, completely flawless. Each day, if you wished, you could attend Matins and Lauds in the Abbey, before a fully cooked breakfast. Some days we attended Mass in the Abbey with the Ampleforth community, on others we celebrated a more informal Mass in our retreat house with our chaplain Fr John O’Farrell OP.
Fr John was so reverent, so knowledgeable and so wonderfully perfect. He led us in worship at the start of our walk and regularly we would stop for his reflection and prayer throughout the walk. We would walk in silence for a short period, after his prayer and reflection. It was so peaceful and uplifting and we were blessed with good weather in the beautiful countryside.
It was an action packed, well prepared and well sourced programme. It was obvious to me just how much work, thought and preparation had gone into this week.
Our first day started at Osmotherley to Mount Grace. We visited the Priory and the Lady Chapel. A three-and-a-half-mile walk filled with fun and laughter. On day two we set off for Helmsley and Rievaulx Abbey, totally stunning and the knowledge and spiritual input from Fr. John left many of the group quite tearful. Day three, we walked from Whitby to Robin Hoods Bay; the walk was 'tough' but with beautiful weather and such companionship and support it was a day I will remember for the rest of my life. Our final day was to Hutton-le Hole and a visit to an 11th century Church, St Mary's at Lastingham. I was so sad it was the last day. I was not ready to go home; such wonderful people and places, it all went far too quickly.
I had my reservations about attending as I had not experienced a CPW event and I did not know anyone. I cannot put into words how kind, welcoming and supportive the other participants were. Despite many knew each other and had some history I was never made to feel ' a stranger' I was so warmly welcomed from the outset and taken into the family of CPW.
I am now hooked and look forward to future events. And I have made some wonderful friends.
I can not finish without thanking the organisers. So much work goes into these events and we all too easily take this for granted. Thank you all from the bottom of my heart. God Bless you all.
Gaynor Markham