Best of the Abbey Way Guided Trail
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Best of The Abbey Way Guided Trail Tour Style: Guided Trails Destinations: North York Moors & England Trip code: WYLAB Trip Walking Grade: 4 HOLIDAY OVERVIEW This 50 mile, Best of the Abbey Trail combines the stunning North Yorkshire Moors and the lovely Esk Valley with some of England’s most beautiful 11th century abbeys: Byland, Riveaulx, Lastingham, Rosedale and Whitby. WHAT'S INCLUDED • Full board ensuite accommodation • Experienced HF Holidays Walking Leader • All transport to and from the walks HOLIDAYS HIGHLIGHTS • Helmsley, a bustling market town with its 12th century castle • The Rosedale Valley • Hutton le Hole, Grosmont (home of the North Yorkshire Moors steam railway) • A clifftop coastal walk to Whitby Abbey and Old Town www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 1 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 TRIP SUITABILITY This Guided Walking/Hiking Trail is graded 3 which involves walks/hikes on well-defined paths, though often in hilly or upland areas, or along rugged coastal footpaths. These may be rough and steep in sections and will require a good level of fitness. It is your responsibility to ensure you have the relevant fitness and equipment required to join this holiday. Fitness We want you to be confident that you can meet the demands of each walking day and get the most out of your holiday. Please be sure you can manage the mileage and ascent detailed in the daily itineraries. It is important for your own enjoyment, and that of your fellow guests that you can maintain the pace. It makes a lot of sense to spend time getting some additional exercise before your holiday. We suggest that you try to fit in a number of longer walks, including some on hilly terrain. Other exercises such as cycling, jogging and swimming are also excellent for developing increased stamina. ITINERARY Day 1: Arrival Day Your leader will give an introductory talk about the holiday. Day 2: Bylands To Helmsley Our walk starts by the ruin on Byland Abbey, described in the 14th century as “one of the three shining lights of the north”. Passing through the small valley village of Wass, we ascend Wass Bank and Moor to cross the A170, a route since pre-historic times. Crossing woodland and moor, we follow the River Rye to arrive at the famous Rievaulx Abbey, founded in 1132 and the first Cistercian Abbey built in the North. Returning to Rievaulx Bridge we join the Cleveland Way along Whinny Bank to reach our destination for today, Helmsley, with its medieval street plan and striking ruined castle. 8 miles (14km) with 750 feet (280m) of ascent. Day 3: Kirkbymoorside To Rosedale Abbey A fantastic day with lots to see. We start from the bustling market town of Kirkbymoorside and follow country lanes and woodland paths to the pretty village of Hutton le Hole. It's then off to Lastingham, famed for its crypt containing the remains of the original monastery built in AD 654. The wild side of the moors now greets us as we cross to Rosedale Abbey and the remains of the Cistercian Priory. 10 miles (16km) with 1,200 feet (360m) of ascent. Day 4: Rest Day A day without any walks programmed, giving you the opportunity to explore the local area independently. Day 5: Rosedale Abbey To Glaisedale Our route today explores the moors and dales of this lovely part of the National Park. Starting from Rosedale Abbey, our path follows the Northdale Beck and the old mining railway track onto Rosedale Moor. We then www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 2 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 follow the George Gap Causeway across Glaisdale Moor - one of the highest of the North Yorkshire moors, before descending into the village of Glaisdale where today’s trail finishes. 11 miles (18km) with 1,050 feet (320m) of ascent. Day 6: Glaisdale To Larpool Hall The walk today takes in the picturesque Esk Valley. We start from Beggars Bridge, just outside Glaisdale, and walk alongside the river through Arnecliff Woods, before taking a detour to visit the steam train station at Grosmont. We continue along the Esk Valley through Sleights and Ruswarp, before crossing the magnificently restored railway viaduct to reach Larpool Hall. 10½ miles (17km) with 750 feet (220m) of ascent. Day 7: Larpool Hall To Whitby Abbey Leaving Larpool Hall, we follow the track of the old Whitby to Scarborough railway line before crossing over to the cliff top path and heading towards our final destination - the famous Whitby Abbey. After an optional walk around the Abbey and celebratory refreshments, there will be plenty of time to explore the old town and harbour. We’ll finish our trail by walking the final 2km back to Larpool Hall. 7 miles (11.5km) with 850 feet (260m) of ascent. Day 8: Departure Day ACCOMMODATION Larpool Hall Escape to Whitby, whose handsome harbour and medieval streets are famously the setting for Bram Stoker’s Dracula and home to the world’s best fish and chips, for a stay in Larpool Hall. This imposing Grade II listed Georgian mansion has been part of the town for hundreds of years and has evolved to offer an updated take on traditional hospitality. The Hall retains its original grandeur and styling, while offering guests the perfect mix of contemporary comforts to deliver a large amount of atmosphere and character. Sweep up the magnificent staircase, marvel at the impressive fireplaces, watch through the large picture windows and feel yourself transported. With 29 rooms, 14 acres of attractive grounds and views over the Esk Valley, you couldn’t be better placed. Step out to explore the coast, Captain Cook country or walk on the Cleveland Way. Discover Robin Hood’s Bay and hunt for fossils or head deep into the North York Moors for a contrasting landscape carpeted in sweetly scented heather. Matchless Country House Accommodation Accommodation Info Need To Know Important Covid-19 Steps We Have Taken For Guest Safety: Please Read Following the relaxation in government guidance on 19 July, we are continuing to take extra steps to keep our guests leaders, and staff safe in our HF country houses. We ask all our guests to respect the measures put in place. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 3 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 The English, Scottish and Welsh governments are not in sync, so measures in our country houses will vary between the nations. With the relaxation of social distancing in England, from 19 July we will be allowing larger groups to dine and relax in the bar together. However, we will still give guests space e.g. we will seat 6 people at a table where pre-pandemic we may have seated 8. We will ensure our public rooms are well ventilated by opening doors and windows wherever possible. If you have any concerns about distancing, please speak to the House Manager. The government recommendation for England is to wear face coverings in crowded areas. You must wear a face covering by law in public areas in hotels in Scotland. This is mandatory in public spaces; however, face coverings will not be required whilst eating and drinking in the restaurant and bar areas or whilst you are outside our houses. In Wales face coverings will remain a legal requirement indoors, with the exception of hospitality premises. As a temporary measure, we will not be servicing rooms during a stay. Extra tea, coffee, milk, and toiletries will be made available on request for all guests. It is recommended that guests bring their own toiletries for the duration of their stay. We will though be increasing the frequency of cleaning in our public areas providing particular attention to frequently touched items including door handles and handrails. Menus for the week will be available in your room on arrival. A self-service breakfast will be served from 7.45am – 9am. Picnic lunches will now be pre-ordered the night before from an order form in the room. Evening meals will be table service. A dinner order form will be available in each room for completion. Dinner is served at either 7.15pm or 7.30pm. Please check at the house for details. The bar will be open. We will be offering a table service but guests can also come to the bar to order (depending on local restrictions). Join our team after dinner on Wednesday evenings for the HF Big Pub Quiz. There will be one other evening of entertainment at the start of the week, which will vary depending on the country house that you are staying at. Our Walk Leaders will also be on hand in the bar or lounge for individual or small group walks talks briefings, which allow guests to talk through the following day’s walk options and ask any questions. All of our swimming pools are open, except for Glen Coe, which will not re-open this year. Swimming Pools will be operated in line with maximum capacities. For more information and to see all the steps taken, visit our page on how house stays will be adapted. Rooms Tea & coffee-making facilities, TV, Hairdryer, Toiletries, Wi-Fi Stay in one of the Hall’s smartly presented rooms, where contemporary design touches complement the original architecture and features. With 29 bedrooms, Larpool Hall has plenty of space and there’s a range of Good, Better and Best Rooms to choose from. Choose the very spacious Room 15 on the ground floor for its lemon and grey styling, super-comfy sofa in front of a large fireplace and views across the Esk Valley.