A pilgrimage of Cumbria has been laid out in a new book to honour the counties ‘patron saint’.

The book, written by an interfaith minister, takes readers along a new pilgrimage route which connects churches named in honour of the sixth-century saint, St Kentigern.

Rev Prof Stephen Wright, who is also a trustee and spiritual director of the Sacred Space Foundation, said: “I moved to Cumbria in 1996 and it became something of an obsession to learn more about this man, Kentigern.

“His story grabbed hold of me, and I became very aware of his influence for us here in Cumbria. He’s as close to being our patron saint as anybody.

“I’d become aware of a circle of churches in the northern fells which are associated with Kentigern.

“The natural progression was to develop a pilgrimage based on these churches.”

The 90-mile pilgrimage is split into nine stages, linking churches connected with St Kentigern in places such as Mungrisdale, Caldbeck, Aspatria and Crosthwaite, near Keswick.

Rev Wright continued: “It’s a route which takes in the beautiful northern fells, the city of Carlisle and the Cumbria coast so it covers all kinds of terrain.

“It’s been wonderful to be able to create this pilgrimage, one based around Christian sacred sites is open to people of all faiths and none to walk and explore the countryside and their own spirituality.”

The foreword in the book is written by the Bishop of Carlisle, the Rt Rev James Newcome, saying: “I challenge anyone not to be inspired and intrigued by the thoughtfulness and love that have gone into researching and producing this unusual and compelling work.”