A Yorkshire musician is preparing to walk 104 miles across the county while giving a series of organ recitals to raise funds for young singers.
Alex Woodrow, Director of Music at Leeds Minster, will spend six days walking from Leeds to Scarborough along the White Rose Way, stopping each evening to perform concerts in churches along the route.
The challenge, known as The Hiking Organist, begins with a launch recital at Leeds Minster on Sunday 19 July before Alex sets off on foot the following morning. Between 20 and 25 July, he will cover 104 miles across Yorkshire, combining long-distance walking with six public organ recitals before reaching Scarborough on the east coast.
The challenge aims to raise £10,000 for the Leeds Minster Choral Scholarship Programme, which supports talented young musicians, many of whom are students at the University of Leeds, the University of York and Leeds Conservatoire.
At a time when many young people face increasing financial pressures and opportunities in the arts are becoming harder to access, the programme provides practical support, musical training and performance experience while helping students develop confidence, leadership skills and lasting friendships.
The Choral Scholarship Programme provides opportunities for talented young musicians to participate in one of Yorkshire’s leading church choirs while receiving financial support, musical training and regular performance opportunities. Through regular worship, rehearsals, concerts and special services, Choral Scholars gain valuable experience while contributing to the musical and cultural life of Leeds Minster. Alongside developing their musicianship, they acquire skills, confidence and experience that will benefit them throughout their lives and careers.
As such, the programme continues a long tradition of providing educational and formative experiences to young people through music. Many former scholars speak of the lasting impact the programme has had on their personal development, professional aspirations and sense of belonging.
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At a time when many churches, arts organisations and educational programmes face increasing financial pressures, the scholarships help ensure that gifted young musicians continue to have access to high-quality training and performance opportunities. As well as supporting musical excellence, the programme fosters community, service, leadership and a deeper appreciation of one of Britain’s richest cultural traditions. In doing so, it helps nurture the next generation of singers, church musicians, educators and cultural leaders.
Alex Woodrow said:
“Church music has an extraordinary ability to inspire, uplift and bring people closer to each other and to God. 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 challenge combines two of Alex’s passions: music and walking. While organists are more commonly associated with keyboards than hiking boots, Alex hopes the unusual nature of the challenge will encourage people to support young musicians and shine a spotlight on Yorkshire’s rich musical and cultural heritage. The route follows the White Rose Way, a long-distance walking trail linking Leeds and Scarborough. Passing through market towns, villages and some of Yorkshire’s most beautiful countryside, it provides a fitting backdrop for a unique fundraising adventure.
Paul Maybury, Rector of Leeds Minster, said:
“The Hiking Organist is a remarkable and imaginative project combining music, endurance, and fundraising. As Director of Music at Leeds Minster, Alexander Woodrow is helping to shine a light on the work we do in supporting young singers and sustaining our choral scholarship programme. We fully support the aims of the project and wish him every success as he undertakes this challenge in support of the future of church music here at Leeds Minster.”
Barry Rose OBE said:
“This is an amazing project – and please help by sharing it widely. I was in Leeds Minster on a Thursday evening in February and was able to enjoy a beautifully sung Evensong, part of their continuing daily round of worship. Surely this is worth supporting – as is Alex Woodrow’s daunting challenge. Just think about this: not only do you do all that hiking each day, but at the end of it, you play an organ recital at every venue you’ve reached.”
Julian Lloyd Webber OBE, said:
“I am delighted that Leeds Minster Choir recorded my father’s beautiful work The Saviour and wish Alex every success with his remarkable Hiking Organist challenge. Supporting young musicians and widening access to high-quality musical opportunities is more important than ever. I hope this inspiring initiative helps secure a bright future for the Choral Scholarship programme at Leeds Minster.”
The challenge is also being supported by the Friends of the Music of Leeds Minster, the independent charity that has championed and supported the Minster’s musical life for many decades.
Members of the public are invited to attend the recitals, follow the journey online and support the fundraising campaign. Visit Leeds Minster website here: Leeds Minster Website
Challenge Itinerary
Sunday 19 July Launch Recital – 5.30pm
Leeds Minster, Leeds, LS2 7DJ
Monday 20 July
Walk: Leeds City Square to Wetherby — 19.6 miles
Recital – 7pm
St James’s Church, Wetherby, LS22 6LP
Tuesday 21 July
Walk: Wetherby to Fulford — 19.2 miles
Recital – 7pm
Heslington Church, York, YO10 5ED
Wednesday 22 July
Walk: Fulford to Howsham — 20.7 miles
Recital – 7pm
St Mary’s Church, Sand Hutton, YO41 1LB
Thursday 23 July
Walk: Howsham to Thornton-le-Dale — 18.2 miles
Recital – 1pm
St Mary’s Priory Church, Malton, YO17 7HB
Friday 24 July
Walk: Thornton-le-Dale to Harwood Dale — 15.7 miles
Recital – 10.30am
All Saints’ Church, Pickering, YO18 7QH
Saturday 25 July
Walk: Harwood Dale to Scarborough — 11.0 miles
Final Recital and Celebration – 3pm
St Mary’s Church, Scarborough, YO11 1TH
