The new 100-mile Athelstan Pilgrim Way is to open in Wiltshire

A new 100-mile walking and cycling route linking 36 churches in North Wiltshire is being officially opened on Sunday.

The Athelstan Pilgrim Way encompasses part of the Cotswolds Area of ​​Outstanding Natural Beauty and historic churches range from Bremilham, the smallest church in England, to Malmesbury Abbey.

Historian and “The Rest is History” podcaster Tom Holland, who is the patron of the project, will open the new ride with a speech.

The route takes its name from the first king of a united England, Athelstan, a Christian ruler who chose Malmesbury as his capital and was buried in Malmesbury Abbey after his death in 939 AD.

Mr Holland, who published his biography ‘Athelstan’ in 2016, will give a speech on why the ruler deserves pilgrims at Malmesbury Abbey on Sunday.

He said: “It will be no secret to anyone who has listened to my podcast, The Rest Is History, that I have championed Athelstan as the greatest of England’s monarchs… and I am also delighted to I support a walking route through his kingdom of Wessex which seeks to remind us of his Christian sensibility and the religious culture of his time.”

Proceeds from the discussion will go towards the development and operation of the ride.

Sheona Beaumont, from the Athelstan Pilgrim Way project team, said: “Tom brings a fantastic enthusiasm and insight to the history of England and its Christian heritage.

“We are so delighted that they are joining our celebration pilgrimage – a celebration of churches, countryside and faith.”

The route was developed by the North Wiltshire Mission Area, an initiative of the Church of England in the Diocese of Bristol.

Following Mr Holland’s speech on King Athelstan, there will be an official opening of the new Athelstan Pilgrimage Route, led by the Diocese of Bristol.

Initially, the Athelstan Pilgrim Way will link 13 walks with 13 churches, with more to be linked in the coming year.

This summer also sees the Athelstan 1100 program of events celebrating the king’s connection with Wiltshire.

Chairman of Malmesbury Town Team, Councilor Campbell Ritchie, leads the volunteers who organize the program of events.

He said: “We are delighted that Tom can take time out of his busy schedule to join us and celebrate not only the opening of the Athelstan Pilgrimage Route but also the celebrations for Athelstan 1100.”