New BBC Two series Pilgrimage visits Durham Cathedral

Across three 60-minute episodes, the eighth series follows the celebrity pilgrims as they make their way through the heart of Northumberland on a unique 390 km collection of trails exploring the lives of early Celtic Christian saints.

Along the way they visit Whitby Abbey, Durham Cathedral and the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.

Taking part in this year’s series are Diversity leader Ashley Banjo, actors Hermione Norris and Patsy Kensit, TV personality Tasha Ghouri, radio presenter Jayne Middlemiss, comedians Ashley Blaker and Hasan Al-Habib.

Travelling north on the Way of St Hild, the group headed towards Durham, climbing the 224 steep and uneven steps known locally as the “Steps of Doom” before catching their first glimpse of the cathedral.

Canon Charlie Allen, of Durham Cathedral, met the group as they arrived via Prebends Bridge.

The celebrity pilgrims meeting with Canon Charlie Allen at Durham Cathedral. (Image: Durham Cathedral)

The celebrity pilgrims meeting with Canon Charlie Allen at Durham Cathedral. (Image: Durham Cathedral)

She said: “Durham is such a significant place of pilgrimage. To see their faces of astonishment as they encountered it for the first time was wonderful. It is such a place of awe and wonder.”

At the UNESCO World Heritage Site, the pilgrims were invited to take part in the medieval tradition of foot washing before visiting the shrine of St Cuthbert.

Ms Allen said: “Their arrival in 995 started that culture of pilgrimage here in Durham – people came because Cuthbert was here. He was a northern saint so dear to people.

“Pilgrims were coming from across the globe to the North East because St Cuthbert was someone so inspiring.

“People still come in the hundreds and thousands each year. Durham is a place where lots of pilgrimages either begin, end, or pass through.”

The celebrity pilgrims at Durham Cathedral. (Image: Durham Cathedral)

The celebrities, who all come from different faiths and beliefs, shared their reasons for joining the journey.

Ashley Banjo said: “As a Christian I wanted to do this pilgrimage, to continue my journey of discovery through discussion, by asking questions, and to be asked questions in the context of faith. But I’m also taking part to have a really good hike!

Patsy Kensit said: “I’m joining Pilgrimage at a time when I feel the need to slow down and really listen, to myself, to others and to something beyond the noise of everyday life.

“I’ve spent much of my life moving forward, but this feels like a rare chance to pause and reflect. I’m not sure what I’ll find along the way but I hope the journey will help me reconnect with what matters most and give me a deeper sense of perspective, gratitude and understanding – both of myself and the world around me.”

The celebrity pilgrims at Durham Cathedral. (Image: Durham Cathedral)

Hasan Al-Habib said: “For a practising Muslim like me, this show is an incredible opportunity. If, on the Day of Judgement, Allah asks me why I didn’t perform the mandatory Islamic Pilgrimage of Hajj, I can now say: “Sorry, I didn’t realise BBC Two’s Pilgrimage Series 8 was set in Northumberland.”

Canon Allen said welcoming the group was a “privilege and a joy”.

She said: “It was great fun and a privilege to welcome them; in the same way it is with every pilgrim that arrives.

“At the end of the day, we’re all just people. To see their openness in wanting to find out more was a highlight.”