The Archbishop of York and the Bishop of Durham have expressed their joy following a two-day Prayer Walk.
The Most Reverend Stephen Cottrell joined the Right Reverend Paul Butler for what was his final Prayer Walk ahead of retirement in February next year.
Despite spells of rain throughout the weekend (28 and 29 October), the event was a resounding success, as they journeyed through Durham Diocese visiting landmarks and meeting people from the local communities. They blessed the new Camino Ingles Fountain in Bishop Auckland, attended the recently opened Faith Museum, and had breakfast at a community café in Chester-le-Street.
They were joined by members of the public along the way, as well as other representatives from the Diocese, including the Bishop of Jarrow, the Right Reverend Sarah Clark.
Afterwards, Archbishop Stephen posted on social media: “As my time in Durham Diocese comes to an end, it has been a privilege to walk with others and to pray for all in County Durham.”
The Prayer Walk began on Saturday morning after sharing in Morning Prayer at St Mary and St Cuthbert’s Church in Chester-le-Street. The first stop was at the Refuse Café which uses food from supermarkets, wholesalers and manufacturers going to waste and turns it into nutritious hot meals. The group then headed to the home of Durham Cricket Club at the Riverside Ground, where they met Chief Operating Officer (COO) Richard Dowson and former Australia international and Director of Cricket Marcus North.
They moved on to Durham City, walking Cuddy’s Corse from Chester-le-Street to Durham in the footsteps of the monks from the St Cuthbert’s Community who carried the body of Cuthbert, the Patron Saint of the North, and the Lindisfarne Gospels to the Cathedral more than 1,000 years ago.
In Durham, they attended St Nicholas Church, commonly known as St Nic’s, where they met the Reverend Doctor Will Foulger, as well as the Mayor of Durham, Councillor Lesley Mavin, and representatives of Durham Parish Council.
At St Nic’s, Archbishop Stephen paid tribute to Bishop Paul for all he has achieved over the past decade, stating that from tiny mustard seeds of faith, many people have come to know Jesus during that time.
He added: “We thank you for Paul’s witness to the poorest in our communities, and to children, young people and schools.”
The group walked to the Cathedral, where Archbishop Stephen and Bishop Paul had their feet washed by the Revd Canon Charlie Allen, before heading inside for Evensong.
Archbishop Stephen thanked Charlie for her work in promoting pilgrimage, while expressing his appreciation to all walkers who had joined them on the journey.
The following day they walked around Bishop Auckland, visiting some of the recent regeneration projects which are transforming the town. 
This included blessing and dedicating the new Camino Ingles Fountain in the town centre and visiting The Auckland Project, including the recently opened Faith Museum.
Bishop Paul expressed his gratitude to Archbishop Stephen, and to all who joined them on the walk and contributed to its success. On social media, he said it had been “full of delights” and posted various images of the highlights.
The full itinerary
Saturday 28 October – CHESTER-LE-STREET to DURHAM CATHEDRAL (8 miles)
Visits:
Morning Prayer in St Mary and St Cuthbert’s, Chester-le-Street
Refuse Café, Chester-le-Street
Durham Cricket Club, Riverside Ground
Great Lumley
Finchale Priory
HMP Low Newton
Crook Hall (National Trust)
St Nic’s, Durham to meet with Mayor of Durham City, trustees and some members of Durham Parish Council
Durham Cathedral and Evensong
Sunday 29 October – AROUND BISHOP AUCKLAND
Visits:
Archbishop Stephen and Bishop Paul leading and preaching at St Andrew’s Church, South Church, Bishop Auckland
South Church Enterprise Park
Innovation House
Woodhouse Close Church
St Anne’s Church
Bless/dedicate the new Camino Fountain in Market Place
Spanish Gallery/Mining Art Gallery/climb Auckland Tower, Auckland Castle including the
Faith Museum
Prayers in St Peter’s Chapel in Auckland Castle