The Hiking Organist: Launch Organ Recital at Leeds Minster
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Leeds Inspired

The Hiking Organist: Launch Organ Recital at Leeds Minster

19th July 2026

One of Yorkshire’s most unusual musical adventures begins at Leeds Minster this July.

Join Director of Music Alex Woodrow for a special launch recital before he sets off the following morning on an extraordinary six-day, 104-mile journey from Leeds to Scarborough. Along the way he will walk the White Rose Way and perform a series of organ recitals in churches across Yorkshire, raising funds to support young musicians.

This opening concert will feature major works by J.S. Bach, Mendelssohn, Franck and Parry, showcasing the magnificent organ of Leeds Minster in a programme designed to celebrate both the rich tradition of organ music and the start of a remarkable challenge.

Following the recital, guests are warmly invited to stay for refreshments and meet Alex, hear more about the project and wish him well before he exchanges the organ bench for walking boots and begins his remarkable 104-mile Yorkshire pilgrimage.

Admission is free, with donations welcomed in support of the Leeds Minster Choral Scholarship Programme.

ABOUT THE CHALLENGE

From 20–25 July, Alex will walk 104 miles from Leeds to Scarborough along the White Rose Way while performing six organ recitals in churches along the route.

The challenge, known as The Hiking Organist, aims to raise £10,000 for the Leeds Minster Choral Scholarship Programme, helping talented young singers and students access valuable musical opportunities and training.

Route & Recitals

Sunday 19 July
Launch Recital – Leeds Minster, Leeds

Monday 20 July
City Square, Leeds to Wetherby – 19.6 miles
Recital: St James’s Church, Wetherby – 7pm

Tuesday 21 July
Wetherby to Fulford – 19.2 miles
Recital: Heslington Church, York – 7pm

Wednesday 22 July
Fulford to Howsham – 20.7 miles
Recital: St Mary’s Church, Sand Hutton – 7pm

Thursday 23 July
Howsham to Thornton-le-Dale – 18.2 miles
Recital: St Mary’s Priory Church, Malton – 1pm

Friday 24 July
Thornton-le-Dale to Harwood Dale – 15.7 miles
Recital: All Saints’ Church, Pickering – 10.30am

Saturday 25 July
Harwood Dale to Scarborough – 11 miles
Final Recital & Celebration: St Mary’s Church, Scarborough – 3pm

Combining music, endurance, Yorkshire landscapes and a passion for supporting the next generation of musicians, The Hiking Organist promises to be one of the most distinctive cultural fundraising events of the summer.

Support the Journey. Inspire the Future.

#TheHikingOrganist