The Monastic Way
240 Mile Pilgrimage
Lancaster
to
Holy Island
The Antei-ji Monastic Way is a 240 mile, two-week pilgrimage from Antei-ji Temple in Lancaster to Holy Island off the North Eastern coast of England, following the great ancient and modern centres of contemplative life. It weaves together medieval monasteries, the earliest Christian foundations of the North, and living Buddhist communities, inviting pilgrims to experience the enduring tradition of lives dedicated to silence, simplicity and service.
Beginning with a period of silent meditation at Antei-ji, the pilgrimage travels through Lancashire and Cumbria before crossing the Pennines at Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey. From there it follows the ancient spiritual landscape of Northumbria through Durham, Hexham and St Cuthbert’s Cave before arriving at Lindisfarne, where St Aidan founded his monastery in AD 635.
Along the way, pilgrims have opportunities to stay overnight within living contemplative communities, experiencing something of the rhythm of monastic life before continuing their journey.
Antei-ji Temple, Lancaster
A Pilgrim’s departure.
Dalton Square, Lancaster
Remembering the Dominican monastery of the Blackfriars of 1260AD who served Lancaster for nearly 300 years.
Lancaster Priory
Around the Priory building of 1094AD are traces of a church from the 6th Century.
St Patrick’s Chapel, Heysham
One of the oldest Christian sites in Northern England, dated to the time of the founding of Iona in the 6th Century.
Cartmel Priory
A beautifully preserved medieval priory from 1189AD. The original church was dedicated to St Michael and built shortly after King Egfrith granted the land to St Cuthbert in 674AD.
Conishead Priory
Manjushri Kadampa Meditation Centre.
It was founded as an Augustinian Priory in 1188AD.
Furness Abbey
One of England’s greatest Cistercian monasteries. Founded in 1123AD
Shap Abbey
Crossing into the high fells to a quiet Premonstratensian abbey in the Eden Valley. Founded in 1190AD
Throssel Hole Buddhist Abbey
A modern Buddhist monastery in the Soto Zen tradition. Founded in 1972. (possible option of a two night stay)
Durham Cathedral
One of England’s treasures. Built upon the early White Church (995AD) of Saxon times. The cathedral holds the Shrine of St Cuthbert.
Minsteracres Christian Retreat Centre
Run by the Passionists. Pilgrims can spend a night in a Catholic retreat house before continuing to Hexham.
Hexham Abbey
Founded by St Wilfred in 674AD, a generation after Aidan’s mission and one of the great churches of the North.
St Cuthbert’s Cave
A place of refuge during the Viking invasions.
Lindisfarne Priory and St Cuthbert’s Island
The monastery founded by St Aidan in AD 635.
(Optional two night stay at Marygate House)
The Antei-ji Monastic Way is an invitation to discover the monastic heart of northern England by walking through landscapes shaped by prayer, hospitality and contemplative practice for over fourteen centuries.