This Gallery Relates to the following trip from Large Outdoors:

Pickering Walking Weekend: Discover the North York Moors

🔗 https://www.largeoutdoors.com/pickering-walking-weekend-discover-the-north-york-moors

Discover our full list of events in the North York Moors National Park here…

Weekend Date: Friday 31 January - Sunday 2 February 2025

A fantastic social walking weekend exploring the stunning landscapes, rich history, and charming villages of the North York Moors National Park. From walking along former railway tracks to discovering hidden valleys and dramatic viewpoints, this trip was a perfect mix of adventure and exploration.

Friday – Arrival & Welcome Dinner

We gathered at our hotel in Pickering, where it was great to catch up with familiar faces and welcome new friends. Over dinner, we discussed the weekend’s plans and looked forward to exploring the moors.

Saturday – Rosedale Abbey & Blakey Ridge

After picking up lunch, we headed to Rosedale Abbey—a village with no actual abbey, but a fascinating history linked to Cistercian nuns. We explored the remains of a priory tower before setting off along the valley, gradually climbing onto the edge of the moors.

Following the track of the old ironstone railway, we passed historic smelting kilns and enjoyed wide-reaching views across Blakey Ridge. A mid-walk stop at Dale Head Farm provided much-needed coffee and cake before we continued upwards to explore more of the area's industrial heritage.

Some of the group were visiting from overseas, so we took a minibus tour of the surrounding Esk Valley, stopping at Grosmont, Goathland, and Thornton-le-Dale to get a real flavour of the North York Moors. The day finished with a fantastic meal at The White Swan in Pickering.

Sunday – The Hole of Horcum & Newtondale Views

Sunday’s weather was better than expected, making for a spectacular walk at Saltergate, where we explored the impressive Hole of Horcum, a dramatic natural amphitheatre shaped over millennia. The morning light over the moors made the scenery even more striking.

We then walked out towards Skelton Tower, a historic ruin with panoramic views over Newtondale, before continuing to Levisham, where the group rounded off the walk with a well-earned visit to the local pub.