Monks at Pluscarden Abbey have organised the next stage of a massive campaign to pay for the restoration of their ancient home.
The keepers of the 13th century monastery last year embarked on a 1,230 mile pilgrimage from France to the medieval venue on the outskirts of Elgin as part of a crusade to raise £2million for upgrades.
Members of the Catholic Benedictine order are now offering well-wishers the chance to sample that experience – on a smaller scale – as the next stage of the project takes shape.
A “weekend pilgrimage” between Grantown and Pluscarden will take place on Saturday, August 25 and Sunday, August 26.
A spokesman said: “Covering approximately 14 miles each day, this will not be as strenuous as last summer’s pilgrimage from Burgundy.
“We will not be asking for an entry fee to participate, but as this is part of our fundraising programme we would appreciate any donation or sponsorship raised.”
Participants are able to walk on either or both days, and the route will be entirely off-road as it winds along the Dava Way and then a path from Rafford.
Both days will start with a hot drink and a bacon roll before departure, and a warm welcome featuring burgers and hot dogs will greet the walkers upon arrival at the abbey.
Those taking part should bring their own lunch, and arrange their own transport to and from starting and finishing points each day.
From the 16th century, the abbey fell into decay and work only began to address the damage in 1948 when a Benedictine order occupied it as a ruin.
As the only current Benedictine monastery in Scotland, Pluscarden Abbey now is home to about 20 resident monks and attracts roughly 15,000 visitors every year.
Money raised by the ongoing campaign will go towards a new women’s retreat on the south range and a building to house its substantial library.
The trek last summer retraced the steps the Valliscaulian monks took to reach Pluscarden from France in 1230 and raised £100,000.
Other new initiatives unveiled yesterday include a series of five lunches and dinners in London this summer, a dinner and auction at Dundas Castle near Edinburgh in October and a long distance walk from Prinknash Abbey, in Gloucestershire, to Pluscarden.
More information is available by emailing appeal@pluscardenabbey.org