Paul Bright (Director of Art Galleries and Programming) and Ulrike Wiethaus (Emeritus Professor of the Study of Religions) collaborated to lead a group of twelve REL290 students across the highlands of Scotland on the well-trodden path of the 1,400-year-old St. Cuthbert's Way. Along the 100km route, students engaged in meditative practice, handled 11th century manuscripts, and experienced a different pace of life.
St. Cuthbert's Way
A figure of reconciliation, contemplation and community, Cuthbert spent his life in Northumbria in the 7th century. St Cuthbert's Way is a 100-km trail beginning in Scotland and leading to Lindisfarne (Holy Island) off the coast of Northumberland, England. The pilgrimage route links Melrose Abbey, where Cuthbert began his religious life, with his burial place on Holy Island.
Follow along with our group of students of religion and art as they walk in the footsteps of these early medieval practioners of contemplation and meditation.
The journey begins.
On the trail, students formed multi-media responses to their experience with images, video, and sound they collected, which will be part of an exhibition at stArt gallery this Fall.
One of the highest points on the hike. A half-mile or so of serious ascent then breathtaking 360-degree views (along with lots of sheep and some genial ponies).
Leaving Scotland and heading into Northumbria, clipping the northern part of Cheviot Hills, which still have stone remnants of circular Iron Age forts.
Cessford Castle, the first castle on the trail, near the end of a 10.5 mile hike.
Lunch in front of St Cuthbert’s Cave. 11 miles through Northumbria, the last segment of the trek before making the crossing to Lindisfarne.
At the North Sea.
The terminus of the 100km trek in Lindisfarne, Northumbria. The 634 abbey where Cuthbert presided, was sited near these ruins of the later 1093 priory. It is likely that the Lindisfarne Gospels were created here, not too long after Cuthbert’s death in 687 and where a notorious early Viking raid took place in 793.
An incredible experience reaches its conclusion but the memories will live on.
Credits:
Photography by Paul Bright