Leeds Minster music director to walk 104 miles across Yorkshire for 'The Hiking Organist' challenge
Leeds Minster Director of Music Alex Woodrow is walking the White Rose Way to Scarborough, playing six public organ recitals to raise £10,000 for young musicians
A prominent Leeds musician is swapping his organ pedals for hiking boots next month, embarking on a gruelling 104-mile trek across the county to secure the future of church music for the next generation.
Alexander Woodrow, the Director of Music at Leeds Minster, is preparing to take on a unique six-day pilgrimage known as 'The Hiking Organist'.
Starting on July 19, the challenge will see him walk the entirety of the White Rose Way from Leeds to Scarborough.
But far from a standard long-distance hike, ‘The Hiking Organist’ will see each evening, after covering up to 20 miles on foot through the Yorkshire countryside, Alexander stepping directly into a local church to perform a full public organ recital.
The ambitious project aims to raise £10,000 for the Leeds Minster Choral Scholarship Programme, with the initiative providing vital financial support, top-tier vocal training, and performance experience to talented young singers, many of whom balance their duties at the Minster with studies at the University of Leeds, Leeds Conservatoire, and the University of York.
The fundraiser comes at a critical time for grassroots culture, as young people face mounting financial pressures and opportunities within the arts sector become increasingly difficult to access.
"Church music has an extraordinary ability to inspire, uplift and bring people closer to each other and to God," Alexander said. "Through this challenge I hope to celebrate the rich musical heritage of Yorkshire's churches while helping secure opportunities for the young musicians who will sustain that tradition in the years ahead.
Every mile walked, and every note played will help invest in the future of church music."
The imaginative project has already captured the attention of major figures in the British music industry, earning high-profile endorsements from acclaimed cellist and music education champion Julian Lloyd Webber OBE, as well as renowned choral conductor Barry Rose OBE.
"Supporting young musicians and widening access to high-quality musical opportunities is more important than ever," said Julian Lloyd Webber.
"I hope this inspiring initiative helps secure a bright future for the Choral Scholarship programme at Leeds Minster."
Canon Paul Maybury, Rector of Leeds Minster, also expressed his full backing for the endeavour, calling it a "remarkable and imaginative project combining music, endurance, and fundraising."
Where and when to see ‘The Hiking Organist’ on his Yorkshire trek
The trek officially begins with a launch recital at Leeds Minster on July 19 at 5:30 PM, before Alex sets off on foot from Leeds City Square the following morning.
Members of the public are invited to attend the evening recitals along the route to support the campaign. The full itinerary includes:
- July 20 (7pm): St James's Church, Wetherby (Following a 19.6-mile walk).
- July 21 (7pm): Heslington Church, York (Following a 19.2-mile walk).
- July 22 (7pm): St Mary's Church, Sand Hutton (Following a 20.7-mile walk).
- July 23 (1pm): St Mary's Priory Church, Malton (Following an 18.2-mile walk from Howsham to Thornton-le-Dale).
- July 24 (10:30am): All Saints' Church, Pickering (Following a 15.7-mile walk from Thornton-le-Dale to Harwood Dale).
- July 25 (3pm): Final Recital and Celebration at St Mary's Church, Scarborough (Following the final 11-mile leg).
Donations to help Alex reach his £10,000 target for the Leeds Minster Choral Scholarship Programme can be made online via his official crowdfunding page.