Fountains Abbey

On a cold day in1132, 13 monks walked from Ripon to deserted valley by the river Skell .
There they started their own community from nothing, and so Fountains Abbey was born.

Now every Boxing Day is the annual traditional pilgrimage walk following in their footsteps, and finishing with carols and prayers in the cellarium at Fountains Abbey.

Some of our walking club friends do the walk, but the rest of us start with coffee and bacon sandwiches ( or sausage, or cheese scones) in the cafe, and then meet for the carols in the cellarium.

You need to wrap up well, as it is freezing cold in there. Don’t forget it is now a ruin!
However once the service starts you soon forget the cold as we sing the carols to the accompaniment of the Stray Brass Ensemble.

Afterwards we had a lovely walk round Studley Royal. Although it was a dull day and only about 5C at least the forecasted rain held off.

Now relaxing at home sat in front of a roaring fire, watching Leeds United,  who are at the moment loosing 1 - O. ..... but we won’t mention that!

Hope you have all enjoyed your Boxing Day
too.

A few photos as extras, but I liked this photo with the bare branches in front of the Abbey best.