Cathedrals Cycling Route Relay

Sunday (20 June) saw Portsmouth's turn to take part in the recently launched Cathedrals Cycle Route Challenge. Cycling 30 miles to Winchester Cathedral, the group of 14 cyclists set off early, ably led by members of the local Cycling Tourists’ Club. Joined by Dean Anthony, cyclists taking the journey enjoyed scenic routes of the South Downs, culminating in a reception at Winchester, just in time for lunch!

Portsmouth Cathedral’s team consisted of congregation members from Portsmouth and other UK cathedrals, giving a fantastic opportunity to come together and make new connections after so many months' distancing. Portsmouth Cathedral’s ‘cycling champion’, Hannah Gunga said “The sense of community spirit and support within the group kept us all smiling to the end and we were extremely proud of our achievement. We hope this to be the first of many community cycling and walking trips to come.”

The Cathedrals Cycle Route is a unique partnership between the Association of English Cathedrals, the British Pilgrimage Trust, Cycling UK and Sustrans. It measures 2,000 miles in total, with individual legs between cathedrals varying in length to suit all abilities. It is the invention of academic, entrepreneur and keen cyclist Shaun Cutler, from Northumbria University, and is designed to help us all out of lockdown with opportunities for short cycle rides between cathedrals, new partnerships and fundraising for activities to support physical and mental wellbeing.

Find out more about visiting the Cathedral