The North York Moors National Park is a perfect location if you’re planning a get-together for friends based around a challenge. Here are four sporty ideas that will leave you feeling as though you’ve had a microadventure – combining enough of a challenge to test your abilities during the day while still leaving enough energy to enjoy the camaraderie with friends in the evening.
Long distance walks
Most people will have heard of the Coast to Coast walk which finishes in the delightful North York Moors coastal village of Robin Hood’s Bay. However there are other great long distance walking options based on the National Park’s flagship long distance trail, the Cleveland Way. The National Trail runs for 109 miles in a horseshoe loop from Helmsley to Filey via the coastal spots of Saltburn, Staithes and Whitby, providing a superb variety of walking.
There are numerous guided walking specialists you can join to do all, or part of the trail. Alternatively if you want to do the self-guided option there are baggage transfer companies and lists of walker-friendly accommodation to plot your own adventure. Look out for the King’s Head Inn at Newton under Roseberry which runs special Walk-Inn packages for £85 per person. For this you get a welcome drink, two-course dinner, walkers’ packed lunch, waterproofed OS packs containing walk options and a boot cleaning service.
Alternatively join group walking specialist Large Outdoors for its day-long 24 mile Castle to Abbey Challenge along a stunning stretch of the Cleveland Way between Scarborough Castle and Whitby Abbey. With all logistics organised for you including transport to the start and a complimentary pint at Whitby Brewery at the finish, your group can simply enjoy the challenge.
Most people will have heard of the Coast to Coast walk which finishes in the delightful North York Moors coastal village of Robin Hood’s Bay. However there are other great long distance walking options based on the National Park’s flagship long distance trail, the Cleveland Way. The National Trail runs for 109 miles in a horseshoe loop from Helmsley to Filey via the coastal spots of Saltburn, Staithes and Whitby, providing a superb variety of walking.
There are numerous guided walking specialists you can join to do all, or part of the trail. Alternatively if you want to do the self-guided option there are baggage transfer companies and lists of walker-friendly accommodation to plot your own adventure. Look out for the King’s Head Inn at Newton under Roseberry which runs special Walk-Inn packages for £85 per person. For this you get a welcome drink, two-course dinner, walkers’ packed lunch, waterproofed OS packs containing walk options and a boot cleaning service.
Alternatively join group walking specialist Large Outdoors for its day-long 24 mile Castle to Abbey Challenge along a stunning stretch of the Cleveland Way between Scarborough Castle and Whitby Abbey. With all logistics organised for you including transport to the start and a complimentary pint at Whitby Brewery at the finish, your group can simply enjoy the challenge.
Hardmoors Ultra Trail Challenge © Tony Bartholomew NYMNP Long-distance trail running
For hardcore runners there’s the opportunity to enter one of the Hardmoors Series of ultra trail races covering distances of 15 miles right up to a whopping 200 miles making use of routes right the way across the National Park and the Cleveland Way.
A less competitive option might be to join a tour operator such as Contours which organises long weekend or week-long trail running breaks including all baggage transfers and accommodation.
Running distances vary depending on whether you go for the moderate, challenging or shorter, more strenuous option, but each will see you striding through cracking scenery that will no doubt spur you on.
For hardcore runners there’s the opportunity to enter one of the Hardmoors Series of ultra trail races covering distances of 15 miles right up to a whopping 200 miles making use of routes right the way across the National Park and the Cleveland Way.
A less competitive option might be to join a tour operator such as Contours which organises long weekend or week-long trail running breaks including all baggage transfers and accommodation.
Running distances vary depending on whether you go for the moderate, challenging or shorter, more strenuous option, but each will see you striding through cracking scenery that will no doubt spur you on.
Mountain biking in Autumn © Russell Burton
Multi-day cycling trips
With more cyclists discovering the superb variety of routes, the National Park is becoming a cycle-friendly hub with B&Bs, shops and cafes gearing themselves up to provide suitable storage, cleaning facilities, mechanical advice or simply a bike lock for use during a lunchtime stop.
Try the Moor to Sea cycle network – 150 miles following quiet roads, bridleways and woodland tracks – that connects Scarborough, Whitby, Dalby Forest, Pickering and Great Ayton.
The whole of the network provides a do-able five to six-day cycling jaunt which will include easy stretches with some strenuous lung-busting hill sections. There’s a wealth of information available to plan your trip including maps, suggestions for lunch and all-important cake stops, and highlights of each stage.
If you’d prefer to have a guide, then Big Bear Bikes or Gone Mountain Biking, both based in Pickering will take groups out on a day cycling adventures tailored to suit the cycling ability. There’s no shortage of advice either at places like Yorkshire Cycle Hub or Dalby Bike Barn
Multi-day cycling trips
With more cyclists discovering the superb variety of routes, the National Park is becoming a cycle-friendly hub with B&Bs, shops and cafes gearing themselves up to provide suitable storage, cleaning facilities, mechanical advice or simply a bike lock for use during a lunchtime stop.
Try the Moor to Sea cycle network – 150 miles following quiet roads, bridleways and woodland tracks – that connects Scarborough, Whitby, Dalby Forest, Pickering and Great Ayton.
The whole of the network provides a do-able five to six-day cycling jaunt which will include easy stretches with some strenuous lung-busting hill sections. There’s a wealth of information available to plan your trip including maps, suggestions for lunch and all-important cake stops, and highlights of each stage.
If you’d prefer to have a guide, then Big Bear Bikes or Gone Mountain Biking, both based in Pickering will take groups out on a day cycling adventures tailored to suit the cycling ability. There’s no shortage of advice either at places like Yorkshire Cycle Hub or Dalby Bike Barn
Saltburn Surfers © Mike Nicholas NYMNP Surf & Stay
Offering a lovely swathe of sandy beach, gentle waves to suit beginners as well as bigger breakers for more proficient surfers together with a laid-back vibe, Saltburn is moving more into the limelight as one of Britain’s top spots for surfing.
The Spa Hotel, which boasts a grandstand view across to the beach, offers surf and stay packages from £145 per person.
This includes overnight bed and breakfast accommodation, two half day surfing lessons and hire of a board which can be used for the rest of the day post-lesson. Head to The Sitting Room for a celebratory drink in the evening or stick with the coastal panorama by strolling across to the pier where you can sit in the Seaview Restaurant devouring fish and chips.
Offering a lovely swathe of sandy beach, gentle waves to suit beginners as well as bigger breakers for more proficient surfers together with a laid-back vibe, Saltburn is moving more into the limelight as one of Britain’s top spots for surfing.
The Spa Hotel, which boasts a grandstand view across to the beach, offers surf and stay packages from £145 per person.
This includes overnight bed and breakfast accommodation, two half day surfing lessons and hire of a board which can be used for the rest of the day post-lesson. Head to The Sitting Room for a celebratory drink in the evening or stick with the coastal panorama by strolling across to the pier where you can sit in the Seaview Restaurant devouring fish and chips.
Saltburn surfers at sunset © Colin Carter NYMNP
