abbey walks

About Abbey Walks

abbey monkWe are an independant Yorkshire based walking holiday company providing historic and monastic route short break walking holidays in the UK.

We are dedicated to mapping and walking long distance footpaths that monks traveled on from abbey to abbey in the 12th and 14th centuries, and to making these routes available to the modern day walker in the form of walking holidays.

 

about abbey walksAbbey Walks is also a venue for storing and publishing linear and circular walking routes that were taken in history. Monks would have followed ancient paths, drovers’ tracks and Roman roads in order to travel between Abbeys in the UK and also from their own Abbey to their General Chapter meeting ( AGM ) in France. Our aim is for walkers to follow in the monks’ footsteps as closely as possible, but with modern day urbanisation walkers will also use modern footpaths. These routes originate from the 12th century, but have been revived and recorded by us using 21st century technology.  These recorded routes, maps, GPS co-ordinates, images and written text are free to download for your use and enjoyment.

We also provide self-guided walking holidays that follow some of our most popular routes.

 

Initially we have walked and recorded the ancient Cistercian monks’ route from Rievaulx Abbey, in the North of England, to Citeaux Abbey - the Cistercian Mother Abbey, in central France. This route can be undertaken as one complete walk ( the St Bernard's Way ) or in single / multiple walks over a period of time. We aim to record and publish many more routes that link with this central English and French walking route. 

 

Who Are We?

We are experienced walkers having walked in mainland Europe and extensively in the UK. We have been active members of the York Outdoor Group, a YHA affiliated group, for over twenty years.

 

Tony Maskill-Rogan

Tony Maskill-Rogan - Founded Abbey Walks in May 2014. The idea originated from visiting an exhibition at Fountains Abbey, Yorkshire, that showed the route that Cistercian monks took from North Yorkshire to the General Chapter meeting ( AGM ) at Citeaux Abbey, Dijon - France, held in September every year.

 

Tony is our modern day route creator, walk editor and walking holiday guide.

Tony is an enthusiastic Cub Scout Leader and also holds the below qualifications and National Government Body Awards :

 

Testimonial from Claire, Riccall:

 

" I have had the opportunity to walk with Tony on short walks in the UK and for three weeks in Italy. He has a relaxed easy manner, gentle, communicative and friendly. As an experienced walk leader and guide Tony is measured and caring, taking full account of the abilities of those he is leading, the weather and walking conditions, making sure everyone is safe and enjoying the experience. He is a safe, unflappable pair of hands with a cheeky sense of humour. I happily recommend him as a guide. "

 

Read more reviews from walking holiday guests.

 

Rachel Maskill-RoganRachel Maskill-Rogan - Co-founded Abbey Walks in May 2014. Rachel was instrumental in the support of, and was the interpreter during, our 1000+ mile walk from Yorkshire to Dijon.

 

Rachel is our Marketing and Business Manager and deals with all website and walking holiday enquiries.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Abbey Walks is a ' Pay as you Feel ' website

All information, walk notes and GPX files are free, but if you'd like to make a donation to enable us to continue researching, walking and providing this service, please click on the button below.

 

 

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contact abbey walks

We love to hear from fellow walkers and history fans. Drop us a line and we’ll get back to you when we’re back from our next walk !

 

Email info@abbeywalks.co.uk

 

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Walking can be a dangerous sport.  Walkers should always be suitably equipped, including carrying and knowing how to use a map and compass.