Tyne Valley Labyrinth Walk:
Minsteracres to Shepherds Dene

6 miles / 4 hours

A labyrinth is similar to a maze, but consists of a one-way path which twists and turns on a circuitous route from the outside edge to the middle.  You can't get lost in a labyrinth, you simply follow the path until you reach the centre, then retrace your steps outwards again. 

Labyrinths have been used as spiritual tools to aid prayer and reflection since the beginnings of recorded history.  They can also be used as a pilgrimage walk of their very own.  In Medieval times many pilgrims would end their journey with a walk into a labyrinth to conclude their pilgrimage experience.  

The Tyne Valley is home to two Christian retreat centres, each of which hosts a turf labyrinth in its garden.  We start at the Passionist Monastery and retreat centre of Minsteracres which features impressive grounds and a peace garden with a small labyrinth.  Then it's through woodland, fields and quiet lanes to reach Shepherds Dene retreat centre, which has a large labyrinth in its garden, a copy of the one in Chartres Cathedral. 

We will take time to walk both labyrinths at the beginning and end of this journey and conclude with refreshments at Shepherds Dene before transport back to Minsteracres.