Ride and Stride for Churches is an annual sponsored cycle, run or walk (you choose!) between churches. It takes place every September and it brings an opportunity to explore and enjoy the countryside between churches and, at the same time, raise some money for their upkeep.
This year a team of cyclists (of all ages, abilities and speeds) from the Cathedral will join Devon Historic Churches Trust and others on a stunning local loop, taking in Powderham Church, Exmouth, Lympstone and Topsham (via an optional fish and chip shop stop). Anyone who would like to take part will find a very warm welcome. Fitness levels matter not a jot.
But if you’d prefer to walk or run (or just ride a different route), there are masses of options. You can find out more on the Ride and Stride and Devon Historic Churches websites.
You don’t need to pre-register to join our ride, just turn up on the day. But if you are able to get sponsorship, so much the better. Our timetable is as follows:
10.15am: Gather at the West Front, Exeter Cathedral
10.30am: Cycle to Starcross via Powderham Church
12.10pm: Starcross Ferry to Exmouth (£4.50 fare + £1 bike/£2 e-bike
12.45pm: Fish and Chips (optional) Krispies (57 Exeter Rd, Exmouth EX8 1PX)
13.30pm: Depart Exmouth
15.00pm: Return to Exeter Cathedral (via Lympstone and Topsham)
It’s all in a great cause. Thanks to the work of the National Churches Trust, in 2020 alone, 26 churches and chapels were removed from the Heritage at Risk Register; 260 church and chapel projects were funded; and £1.7 million of grants were awarded for urgent repairs, new facilities, maintenance and project development.