Ride, Stride & Sail is a celebration of Cornwall’s historic churches, its landscape and its communities. Each September, participants across the county set out to visit churches, enjoy the countryside and raise funds for the preservation of Cornwall’s remarkable sacred heritage.
What is Ride, Stride & Sail?
Ride, Stride & Sail is based on the National Churches Trust’s largest annual fundraising event, delivered locally by county Historic Churches Trusts. We have added a Sail element to the event as a nod to Cornwall's long coastline and the opportunity to take a trip between churches by crossing for example Carrick Roads, the Fal, Truro or Fowey rivers by boat or perhaps a tour from Marazion to St Michael's Mount and onto Penzance, Newlyn or Mousehole by sea for extra fun?
Participants — whether cyclists, walkers, runners, sailors, horse riders or wheelchair users — seek sponsorship to visit churches of their choosing between 10am and 6pm.
There are no fixed start or finish points, and no minimum or maximum distance. Individuals, families and groups alike are warmly encouraged to take part.
Where traditional riding or striding may be less practical, creativity is welcome. Sponsored activities could include a static cycle challenge at a church, a swim or row, a bell tower tour, or walking to a church event such as a coffee morning.
At its heart, the weekend is about participation, fellowship and community.
This is part of a nationwide initiative (ridestride.org), but delivered locally.
50% of funds raised are returned directly to the participant’s chosen church, with the remaining 50% supporting CHCT’s grant programme for the repair and maintenance of Cornwall’s historic churches.
When is it?
The next Ride, Stride & Sail in Cornwall is expected to take place on Saturday 11 September 2027.
The Bishop’s Trophy
The Bishop’s Trophy will be awarded annually to the church that has, in the opinion of the Trustees, made the greatest achievement in the event; in addition to the Trophy, they will receive 100% of the funds raised by their participants.
Some Pictures from the 2026 Event
Thank you to everyone who took part or made visitors welcome to their churches. Please do send in your pictures!
Ride, walk, cycle, sail — or invent your own way to take part. Ride • Stride • Sail is about exploring Cornwall, celebrating its churches and helping preserve them for future generations.
The Bishop’s Trophy
The Tanner Phoenix Trust has very kindly donated this delightful silver Trophy as a Challenge Cup to be awarded annually to the church which has, in the view of our Trustees, made the most significant contribution to Ride, Stride & Sail. In addition this church will retain 100% of the money raised by the participants who chose it.
