The annual sponsored Ride & Stride is a major fundraiser for Cumbria’s Churches. The next event is on Saturday 8th September 2012. This national event has been running for over 25 years across counties in England. Participants cycle, walk or travel by horse-back! to as many churches as they wish in one day.  

A first for Torver: Horse-riders,   Valerie  Towndrow and Sonia
Gager- Tomkinson with horses Toby and Rappy.

Ride and Stride 2012: Churches who would like to participate and promote the event in 2012, please contact us and we will send out news and tips as plans unfold in the new year. See information for local organisers.

Future Participants: Please register with us so we can send you information nearer the time. See information for participants.

Churches Trust for Cumbria member of staff, Jemma Metcalfe-Gibson, cycled solo around churches in the Ravenstonedale and Orton area. Click here to see her route. See below some more of this year's participants stories and routes. Photo credit: Freddie Wilson

Previous participants share their stories

Three generations of women on wheels: Judith Cochrane
My daughter and granddaughter and I had a great day. We set off on bicycles from Penrith (St Andrews) in pouring rain having stayed at The George (it was my wedding anniversary) for Greystoke. Once we got beyond Greystoke the rain cleared and it became a beautiful day. We went on to visit Skelton, Hutton in the Forest, Calthwaite, High Hesket, Armathwaite, Kirkoswald, Lazonby, Great Salkeld. We covered 36 miles in all so were quite pleased with ourselves. We also went to St Michael's, Barton (where I was married) on the way home but by then we were in a vehicle! We raised around £770! The Penrith Circular Route.

Village cathedrals and friendly people: Dominic Harrison
My favourite church was St Andrew's Greystoke, which has a cathedral-like feel to it. A lovely welcome there, and an equally lovely reception at St Michael's, Skelton. We bumped into a group of 4 at All Saints, Calthwaite; Oliver James, aged 10, was enjoying the refresments left there for us with Michael, Helen and Jeremy. Perhaps second only to the village pub, the churches now embody the community of village life. Good to meet the friendly people who take care of them. We cycled back to Penrith in the fading sun with a view of the rain falling over the fells. A whole year since our last day out on our bikes. At least we have next years Ride and Stride in the diary. Photo of Oliver, Michael, Jeremy Helen and Dominic.

Solo in Brampton: Christine Lloyd
I rode solo but was joined by Pat and Kate who were driving. and we also met another couple who had seen the publicity and did the trip by car! I enjoyed it! I love visiting churches and felt privileged to be able to visit them and meet the people who showed us round. Cycling was a lovely way to travel and it was for me a very special day and I'm sorry that we couldn't have shared it with more people.Click here to see the Brampton circular route.

Photo of Pat, Chris and Kate outside Brampton Old Church.

Both participants and local organisers can contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it for further information.