A new cycle route has been plotted that links all 42 Church of England Cathedrals. 
 
This Sunday, a small group of cyclists will set off from England's most northerly cathedral, Newcastle, on the first relay ride to launch the Cathedrals Cycle Route.
 
The first stop is Durham Cathedral, 15 miles away, where the first group of cyclists will pass on a specially designed baton to the next group of cyclists, who will then carry it on to Ripon Cathedral, 55 miles away.

Cyclists will continue to pass on the baton for 42 days until the route finishes back in Newcastle. 

The 2,000 mile Cathedrals Cycle Route is designed to improve physical and mental well-being and the first ride will raise money for Cycling UK's Break the Cycle appeal, which aims to improve people's wellbeing through the community cycling clubs. 

Keen cyclist and PhD researched Shaun Cutler from Northumbria University (centre in picture) designed the route to help people get out of lockdown.
 
Mr Cutler and a small group of cyclists will launch the route on Sunday to coincide with The World's Biggest Bike Ride organised by Cycling UK.
 
He said: "The Cathedrals Cycle Route is about connecting our historic cathedrals and enjoying the spaces between them.  
 
"Now more than ever, after a year of living with the coronavirus pandemic, this is a way to support people's mental and physical health and promote the mission of England's cathedrals through pilgrimage, wellbeing and heritage."
 
It is hoped that the relay ride will become an annual event and will encourage more and more people to get on their bikes to travel to C of E cathedrals. Each cathedral aims to have someone dedicated to make sure the building is appropriate or cyclists and ensure a warm welcome for visiting cyclists. 
 
There is also a pilgrimage route to every Church of England cathedral enabling visitors to arrive on foot.