Whitby Abbey ruins set to feature in new BBC series

The eighth series of Pilgrimage will begin just south of Whitby Abbey’s ruins, and sees seven well-known personalities of different faiths and beliefs setting off for 12 days covering over 390 kilometres of unique trails across North East England to explore the lives of early Celtic Christian saints.

The route also takes in the UNESCO site of Durham Cathedral and their final destination, the Holy Island of Lindisfarne.

A spokesperson for the corporation said: “Travelling on foot and by bus, our celebrities are immersed in profound encounters with nature and the landscapes that helped inspire early Celtic Christianity.

“From stunning coastlines and remote moorlands to the rolling hills of the Cheviots with its spectacular views, it is an epic journey of deep discovery.”

Taking part in the series’ three sixty-minute episodes are:

• practising Christian and leader of the dance troupe Diversity, Ashley Banjo
• Spooks and Cold Feet actor Hermione Norris, who believes the divine can be found in all living things
• atheist, TV personality Tasha Ghouri
• stand-up comedian and observant Muslim, Hasan Al-Habib
• radio presenter, Jayne Middlemiss who describes herself as spiritual
• comedian, Ashley Blaker, now agnostic, was once a practising Orthodox Jew
• actor and self-proclaimed “a la carte” Catholic, Patsy Kensit

After an encounter with Whitby Abbey ruins, the pilgrims travel along a curated network of trails celebrating three of England’s most revered 7th century northern saints – Hild, Oswald and Cuthbert.

Travelling light, with only their backpacks, they overnight in everything from wooden pods and basic bunkrooms to an off‑grid hostel.

Their journey takes them north along the Way of St Hild to Runswick Bay before turning inland towards Durham.

After tackling 224 steep ‘steps of doom’ as they are known locally to reach their first glimpse of the cathedral, they take part in a medieval‑style pilgrim foot‑washing ritual and visit the shrine of St Cuthbert.

Later stages take the pilgrims to Heavenfield – tied to St Oswald’s 7th‑century battle to claim the Kingdom of Northumbria – Housesteads Roman Fort on Hadrian’s Wall and Newcastle’s Reform Synagogue, founded in part by Jewish refugees fleeing the Nazis, along with the local community.

The pilgrims also call at Nether Springs retreat centre, Warkworth Castle’s medieval hermitage – accessible only by boat – and the Cheviots, where they crest Wide‑Open Hill for 360‑degree views before reaching Cuthbert’s Cave and, ultimately, the tidal Pilgrims’ Way to Lindisfarne.

Daisy Scalchi, the BBC’s head of religion and ethics for television said: “What better way to embrace different perspectives and outlooks than walking with people who can open our hearts and minds to new ways of seeing the world.

“Pilgrimage is like no other show on TV and I’m so excited to see a new group strap on their walking boots for what will be an inspiring journey through one of England’s most dramatic landscapes”

Executive producer Caroline Matthews, of CTVC, said: “With a fantastic new cast, this series delivers a wonderful moment to explore life’s big questions, faith and culture whilst exploring the spectacular landscape of Britain’s North East.

“As ever, stripped of their creature comforts, there is strong camaraderie, tears, joy and a fabulous amount of humour to get them through their epic journey.”