GATHER Church Teesdale is inviting people to experience pilgrimage in a unique way by joining its Camino de Santiago pilgrimage in September 2026.
Based in rural County Durham, GATHER Church Teesdale is a dispersed Christian community built around pilgrimage, creation care and shared meals. Pilgrimage is at the heart of its life together, with monthly walks across Teesdale and the North Pennines, seasonal retreats and regular Thursday evening gatherings providing opportunities to explore faith, build friendships and enjoy time outdoors.
The community also partners with others to encourage more people to discover pilgrimage. Earlier this summer, members joined a stage of the Diocese of Newcastle's St Aidan’s Way pilgrimage, eight stages from Holy Island to Newcastle Cathedral, and GATHER continues to work with a range of organisations to welcome those who may be exploring the Christian faith for the first time.
From 4–12 September 2026, GATHER will walk the final 110 kilometres of the Camino Francés, travelling from Sarria to the cathedral in Santiago de Compostela. The nine-day pilgrimage follows one of the world's best-known Christian routes, with walkers covering around five to seven hours each day. Accommodation and luggage transfers are arranged, allowing participants to focus on the journey itself.
The pilgrimage is open to anyone with a reasonable level of mobility and a willingness to walk. No previous pilgrimage experience is required, and people at any stage of their faith journey are welcome. A small number of places remain available.
For those wanting to experience GATHER's approach to pilgrimage before committing to the Camino, a free open walking day is taking place this summer, along part of the Ullswater Way in Cumbria on Saturday 15 August.
Anyone interested in taking part in the Camino pilgrimage or learning more about GATHER Church Teesdale can email info@gatherchurchteesdale.com for further information.