7-Night North York Moors Christmas & New Year Guided Walking Holiday
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7-Night North York Moors Christmas & New Year Guided Walking Holiday Tour Style: Guided Walking Destinations: North York Moors & England Trip code: WYXFW-7 1, 2 & 3 HOLIDAY OVERVIEW The North York Moors are the perfect setting for a festive holiday. A wealth of walks contrast the windswept headlands and ancient smugglers' haunts with the moorland of the national park. There’s something magical about walking in winter. Whether it’s the frosty footsteps, the clear crisp air, or the breathtaking views, it’s a wonderful time to go walking. Join our festive breaks and choose from a guided walking holiday in the company of one of our knowledgeable leaders. We pull out all the stops on our festive holidays, with fabulous food, lots of seasonal entertainment and great walks and activities. The walks are tailored to the time of year and will remain flexible to suit the weather conditions. Each day three grades of walk will be offered. So wrap up warm, lace up your boots and go for an invigorating walk. WHAT'S INCLUDED • Wonderful meals – full selection at breakfast, your choice of picnic lunch, an excellent evening meal, afternoon tea and cakes every day, and plenty of festive sweets and nuts • A full programme of guided walks www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 1 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 • The services of experienced HF Holidays’ leaders • Any transport to and from the walks • A packed programme of evening activities offering something festive for everyone, including some old HF favourites • A celebration dinner with all the trimmings on Christmas Day and New Years Eve HOLIDAYS HIGHLIGHTS • Enjoy a warm festive welcome and relax at Larpool Hall with splendid views over the Esk valley and towards the sea • Plenty of exercise to walk off the festive excesses • A choice of guided walks in spectacular winter scenery • Let your experienced leader bring classic routes and offbeat areas to life • Cosy country inns with roaring log fires and famous Yorkshire hospitality to round off many walks • Just relax, soak up the party atmosphere, enjoy wonderful festive fare and leave all the organising to us TRIP SUITABILITY This is trip is graded Activity Level 1, 2 and 3. The walks are tailored to the time of year and will remain flexible to suit the weather conditions. Each day three grades of walk will be offered. Typically, easier walks are up to a maximum of 7 miles (11km), medium walks are up to a maximum of 9 miles (14½km), while harder walks can be up to a maximum of 12 miles (19km). ITINERARY Christmas Day 1: Arrival Day You're welcome to check in from 4pm onwards. Enjoy a complimentary Afternoon Tea on arrival. Day 2: Heartbeat Country Around Goathland Option 1 - Goathland & Grosmont Circuit Distance: 7 miles (11km) Ascent: 950 feet (280m) In Summary: Walk from Goathland past the Mallyan Spout waterfall, heading down the valley to the neighbouring village of Grosmont. Our return route follows the old railway trail between the two villages. Highlight: Today's walks centre on the village of Goathland - made famous as the setting for the TV series Heartbeat. You may also recognise Goathland station from its role in the Harry Potter films. Option 2 - Goathland Circuit Distance: 8 miles (13km) www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 2 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Ascent: 1,100 feet (320m) In Summary: From Goathland, a gentle descent along the old railway track takes us to Beck Hole. Woodland and field paths will take us to Wheeldale Lodge from where we make our way across a lovely moorland path to Goathland church. A further loop heads across the railway line and on to the station. Highlight: Look out for steam trains on the North Yorkshire Moors railway as they make their way through the magnificent scenery in the heart of the national park Option 3 - Over The Moors To Goathland Distance: 11 miles (18km) Ascent: 1,500 feet (450m) In Summary: Starting above the Hole of Horcum we descend steeply into Newtondale, where we may see a steam train as we cross the railway. We continue on forest and moorland tracks to Simon Howe, before descending to Wheeldale and a section of the Roman Road. Our route continues to Goathland via Mallyan Spout and the incline of the old railway track. Highlight: Discover the impressive Mallyan Spout hidden in a deep ravine below Goathland village. Day 3: Villages North Of The Esk Option 1 - Newholm And Raithwaite Hall Distance: 7. 5 miles (12km) Ascent: 530 feet (160m) In Summary: We walk through the outskirts of Whitby to the attractive village of Newholm before walking through the grounds of the secluded Raithwaite Hall. We then make our way to the sea front & return via Pannett Park. Highlight: Raithwaite Hall & its grounds provide spectacular views along the coast. Option 2 - To Sandsend And Back Distance: 9.75 miles (15.5km) Ascent: 720 feet (220m) In Summary: We make our way through quiet countryside to the hamlet of Dunsley then head to the coast at Sandsend with its old alum workers’ cottages. We then return along the beach & cliff tops to Whitby. Highlight: Step back in time and learn about the coast’s past on a Jurassic Trail. *due to a stretch of beach walking, this walk may be reversed to avoid doing so at/near high tide Option 3 - Newholm, Dunsley & Sandsend Distance: 12.25 miles (19.5km) Ascent: 930 feet (285m) www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 3 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 In Summary: We walk to Sandsend via the quiet hamlets of Newholm & Dunsley. A longer stretch of beach walking brings us back to Whitby West Cliff with stunning views both ways along the coast. Highlight: The walk along the beach provides a chance to see Whitby Abbey brooding on its clifftop perch high above the harbour. *due to a stretch of beach walking, this walk may be reversed to avoid doing so at/near high tide Day 4: Robin Hoods Bay To Whitby Option 1 - Hawsker To Whitby Distance: 6 miles (9.5km) Ascent: 950 feet (300m) In Summary: After time exploring Robin Hood’s Bay, our coach takes us to the village of Hawsker. A track from here joins the coastal path which we follow to Whitby. We'll pass the iconic ruins of the Abbey, before descending the steps to the harbour. Highlight: The ruins of Whitby Abbey stand prominantly on the headland above the harbour. Discover how this dramatic setting inspired Bram Stoker's gothic novel Dracula. Option 2 - Robin Hood's Bay To Whitby Distance: 8.5 miles (14km) Ascent: 1,600 feet (500m) In Summary: Follow the glorious coast path from Robin Hood's Bay back to Whitby. We'll round the first headland then head towards the landmark of Whitby Abbey. Highlight: The beach below Whitby's East Cliff is a good spot to look for fossils, and jet. In the nearby shops you can see how craftsmen have carved this into jewellery and ornaments. Option 3 - Ravenscar To Whitby Distance: 11½ miles (18.5km) Ascent: 2,050 feet (620m) In Summary: A glorious coastal walk starting high on the headland at Ravenscar. We'll initially head to Boggle Hole and the quaint fishing village of Robin Hood's Bay, before rounding the headland and continuing along the coast to Whitby. Highlight: We'll descend the famous 199 steps from Whitby Abbey and enjoy the classic view over the bustling harbour. Day 5: Free Day Discover more about Larpool Hall and the local area for ideas on how to fill your free day. www.hfholidays.co.uk PAGE 4 [email protected] Tel: +44(0) 20 3974 8865 Day 6: Along The Smuggler's Coast Option 1 - Runswick Bay To Sandsend Distance: 6 miles (9½km) Total ascent: 920 feet (280m) In Summary: Enjoy a glorious section of the Yorkshire coast between Runswick Bay and Sandsend. We start along the beach, then ascend onto the cliff-top path which takes us around the headland at Kettleness and on to Sandsend. Highlight: There's time to explore Staithes before rejoining the coach to start our walk at Runswick Bay. Staithes is a timeless fishing village with cobbled streets and historic buildings. Option 2 - Staithes To Sandsend Distance: 9 miles (14.5km) Ascent: 1,500 feet (460m) In Summary: Starting from Staithes we follow the impressive cliff top section of the coast to Runswick Bay. Our walk continues along the Cleveland Way to Kettleness and Sandsend. Highlight Look out for the once-thriving harbour at Port Mulgrave, built in the 1850s to transport iron ore. You can see the remains of the 1 mile tunnel that connected the mine to the harbour. Option 3 - Boulby To Sandsend Distance: 10½ miles (16km) Ascent: 1,550 feet (480m) In Summary: From Boulby we follow the coastal path all the way to Sandsend, taking in the quaint fishing village of Staithes, the sweeping arc of Runswick Bay, and the remote headland of Kettleness. Highlight: As you approach Sandsend there's a glorious view along the 2½ mile long beach towards Whitby, with the ruins of Whitby Abbey prominent in the distance. Day 7: Villages South Of The Esk Option 1 - Sneaton And Stainsacre Distance: 7 miles (11km) Ascent: 750 feet (220m) In summary: A repeat from earlier in the week for 7 night guests, we make our way to Ruswarp then ascend, with great views as far as Whitby Abbey, to the village of Sneaton.