Fri 25 August 2023
Date
2 Walking Days
Duration
Yorkshire
Location
2
Grade

North York Moors Walking Weekend

Join us for this special August bank holiday walking weekend in the North York Moors National Park, as we walk the great North Yorkshire coastline and the very scenic Cleveland Way from Sandsend beach to the picturesque coastal village of Staithes.

On Sunday, we’ll explore the heart of the North York Moors as we walk the heather clad moors between Goathland and Grosmont.

Highlights

  • Two days of excellent scenic guided walks
  • Stunning views
  • Coastal walking
  • Heart of the North York Moors
  • Social evenings

Additional information

Min Age18
1

Friday - (Optional) Welcome Evening

The Friday Welcome Evening (optional) is 8.30pm in Whitby. It’s a chance to go for a drink and for everyone on the walking weekend to meet, plus the Country Adventures trip leader will be on hand to answer any questions about the walking weekend. If you’re unable to make it to the Welcome Evening, the Trip Notes detail everything you need to know about the walking trip.

2

Saturday - Walk & Social

Grade 2 Moderate – Sandsend To Staithes Coastal Walk 9 miles (14.5km), with 1163 ft (355m) of ascent

Walking the great North Yorkshire coastline and the very scenic Cleveland Way from Sandsend beach to the picturesque coastal village of Staithes. Along the scenic coastal footpath, together with amazing views, we’ll encounter the notable geological features of Kettleness, famous for its fossils, and for its alum shale, which was historically used in the dyeing industry. We’ll also be passing the award-winning beach of Runswick Bay, popular with swimmers, paddleboarders and surfers.

The walk will be finish in the small, picturesque village of Staithes, known for its narrow streets and traditional, red-roofed cottages. The harbour is the focal point of the village and is still used by a small fishing fleet. Staithes is also home to several art galleries and studios, reflecting its strong artistic heritage. The village was once home to a group of artists known as the Staithes Group, who were active in the early 20th century.

At the end of the days walk, there’ll be time for refreshments and some free time in Staithes, before the group transport takes us back to Whitby via Sandsend.

In the evening, we can arrange to meet in Whitby for a drink and social.

*For Saturday’s walk there is also the option to walk along the coast from Whitby to the official start of the walk at Sansdend Beach (add 1.8 miles), or alternatively drive to Sandsend or take the local Whitby bus to Sandsend. Full details of the bus times will be included in the week leading up to the weekend.

2

Sunday - Walk & Departure Day

Grade 2 Moderate – Grosmont & Goathland 7.8 miles (12.5km), with 910 ft (277m) of ascent

With the famous heather in bloom at this time of year, the landscape will be vibrant in colour, and today’s walk will take full advantage of the scenery. Starting out on the moors we’ll head towards the idyllic village of Goathland, famous for steam railways (including Harry Potter) and a well-known TV series.

Our route also takes us to a dramatic waterfall, beautiful scenery, and Beck Hole, which has an interesting connection with the famous railway line. We’ll also have the opportunity to walk through the picturesque village of Goathland.

The day’s walk finishes in Grosmont, with the chance to see the glorious steam engines arriving into the station.

Group transport from Whitby to the start of the walk (and return) is included.

The walk and weekend will finish in Whitby by 3pm.

Essential Info

Accommodation

Accommodation is not included as part of this trip. If you require help with booking accommodation you may find the following links useful:

Visit Whitby online accommodation listings service

Booking.com search for accommodation in Whitby, North Yorkshire

We recommend booking accommodation in, or near to, Whitby for easy reach to the meeting point for both the walks and social evenings.

Food & Drink

For the walk(s) please bring with you a packed lunch and refreshments. Occasionally on some guided walks (Grade 1 to 2 walks) we may pass a country inn or tea room where if we have time we can call in, however having a packed lunch with you gives the group the freedom to have lunch wherever we are on the walking route.

On Saturday after the walk, an optional social evening is organised by Country Adventures, where the group can go for a drink and enjoy a meal together.

Transport

For guided walking holidays that require transport from the meeting point to the start of the walk, we use a minibus or where necessary local transport. There is no additional charge for this.

Fitness Levels

Our walks are by no means designed to be endurance tests where everyone sets off at a blistering pace. Far from it, it’s about a fine day in the hills in good company enjoying the best of fell walking with exceptional views but it is important to state that for everyone’s walking enjoyment walking does require a minimum level of fitness and stamina. Hill / Mountain walking experience is not essential as long as you have a reasonable level of fitness. For the higher level graded walks (Grade 3 to 4) it is advisable that you are someone who enjoys regular cardio exercise or have experience of mountain walking and have the stamina/ leg strength in order to be better prepared for longer sections of uphill & downhill walking associated with higher mountain treks.

Walking Grades Explained

Grade 1 (Leisurely) Normally 5-8 miles, may include gentle ascents and descents of up to a total 1100ft of ascent and similar descent over a day’s walk. Easier scenic walking at lower altitudes along paths and tracks.

Grade 2 (Moderate) Normally 6-10 miles on paths and tracks, between 800ft – 1700ft of total ascent and similar descent. Longer walks, on hills and moorland.

Grade 3 (Moderate Mountain) Normally ranging from 6-10 miles, between 1700ft – 2600ft of ascent, similar descent. Longer walks, over higher ground with possibly steeper ups and downs on paths and tracks.

Grade 4 (Challenging) Normally ranging from 8-13 miles, between 1500ft – 3000+ft of ascent, similar descent, over undulating mountain terrain, walking at higher levels with steep ups and downs. A good level of fitness and stamina is required.

Kit List

What you need to bring with you for the walks

  • Good, comfortable walking boots with a cleated sole and good ankle support are essential.
  • Waterproof jacket and over-trousers.
  • Warm, dry walking clothing. Unsuitable clothing includes Jeans or cotton tracksuit bottoms and cotton t-shirts (cotton is a poor insulating fabric and when wet it takes a long time to dry, which can lead to a rapid loss of body heat as well as being uncomfortable).
  • A number of thin layers are better than one thick/ heavy jumper. We suggest a fleece for extra warmth especially when we stop on the hills for lunch.
  • Hat and gloves (even in summer – any wind chill on the mountain tops will lead to cooler temperatures).
  • Sunglasses, sun cream.
  • Hot or cold drinks (i.e. a minimum of 2 litres of water).
  • Plenty of food and drink for lunch and snacks.
  • A rucksack large enough to carry it all in (20-30 litres), ideally with a waterproof liner.
  • Any medication you need.
  • Thermos flask. We recommend bringing warm drinks with you, as even on sunny days it can occasionally feel cooler, especially on the summits of the higher-level mountain walks.
  • Walking poles (if you use them).

We want you to enjoy your time with Country Adventures and have the best possible adventure experience. Please be aware that if any participants are not properly equipped for the walk (i.e. with walking boots and waterproofs), at the guide’s discretion we reserve the right to not allow them on the walk for reasons of safety for both the individual and the group. If you need clarification on any of the equipment requirements, please do not hesitate to ask.

Trip Schedule & Activity Meeting Times

Please ensure you give yourself plenty of time to get to the meeting point at the required time. The transport for our day walks will leave promptly at the stated time and due to the nature of scheduled trips, we are unable to provide refunds if unfortunately, you miss the departure time.

Meeting Point

Welcome Evening – 8.30pm please meet outside the Whitby Tourist Information Centre

Walking Days – 9.30am Meet outside the Whitby Tourist Information Centre

Address: Whitby Tourist Information Centre, Langborne Rd, Whitby YO21 1DN

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