Magical Robin Hood's Bay Dark Skies Experience
Robin Hood's Bay, North York Moors National Park, England
Run in partnership with AFS Mountaineering
What you'll do
Steeped in smuggling history, the North York Moors coastline is soaked in the stuff of legend. Standing on the shore looking out to sea, you'll be greeted by an inky darkness. In the swirling mist or moonlight you can almost imagine times gone by.
Meanwhile you'll hear the rhythmical sound of waves on the shore, smell salty sea air and feel the breeze against your skin. It's refreshing, rejuvenating and massively up-lifting.
This is because walking at night is a wonderful mood booster. Watch how your primary sense takes a back seat while all your other senses come alive. Weave in a secret, mindful formula along the way, and your ability to feel awe increases.
But that's not all! During this evening find out more about planet earth, the geology of this coastline and discover it is akin to the dinosaur coast. Explore deep time, the cosmos and our place in it.
Most importantly, you'll leave feeling awe-inspired. Invigorated. Refreshed. And maybe, just maybe, ready to embrace those darker months...
Further information - PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING
The evening can last anything from 3 - 4 hours depending on the weather.
Our usual route takes us along the Cinder Track (old railway track) for roughly 3 miles before heading down the hill to the shoreline. Please note, we may change the route at very short notice to enhance the experience. The walk can range in length from 4 - 6 miles and will depend on conditions underfoot and weather.
There are hills (some steep), steps (lots of them), lots of mud too. When we reach the shoreline we will head back along the (now shingle and rock) beach. We will cross a shallow beck (stream).
For your comfort, a good level of fitness will be needed for this activity.
Please refer to our Terms & Conditions before
booking. Please note booking fees are non-refundable.
At a Glance
Group size:
12 people maximum
Includes:
- Two guides for extra safety & quality experience
- Learn a secret formula to enable feelings of awe & wonder
- Find out a little more about the universe, planets, stars, geology & deep time
- Feeling exhilarated and alive!
Prices from £49 / person
Sat 18 Oct*
6 -9.30pm
Make this into a PRIVATE EVENT
- minimum of 6 people
Contact Alison if smaller numbers
What's included
Small, personal group-size. Services of a mountain guide and 'wellbeing in nature' instructor.
A sensory nature walk that will get you into the 'zone' so you'll see and hear so much more.
Learn about the geology of the area, planets, star systems and other interesting facts about the universe. Peace of mind. Safety. Feeling calmer and awe - which is priceless!
What to bring
Please refer to our Equipment List & What to Bring page for further information.
Stay Over
Take a look at these websites for some accommodation options: Sea Fern Holiday Cottage, Coast and Camplight Glamping, Newlands Farm Cottages, or Baytown Holiday Cottages.
Joining instructions
Please note joining instructions will be be given after you have booked, closer to the event date. If you have any queries about anything don't hesitate to contact me.
Please make sure you read the
T & Cs page
too as this includes cancellations or changes due to inclement weather.
Meet your Leaders
Alison
runs Adventures for the Soul and is passionate about the natural world and the outdoors. She holds a BSc degree in Environmental Management and PGCert in Tourism, Conservation & Sustainable Development. A dark sky enthusiast, nature lover, contemplative walks leader, former Zen Buddhist and qualified yoga teacher for many years, she's taken people to some of the most stunning areas of the UK on wellbeing and walking holidays since 2009.
Fabian our walk leader for the evening is the Founder and Director of AFS Mountaineering. He's not only a qualified winter mountain leader, but a PhD scientist with a specialism in evolution and life in extreme habitats. He also has a fascination with stars and planets. He works alongside some exceptional mountain leaders, offering safe guide-led walks to some of the most amazing places in the UK.
If
Fabian is not available, one of his very experienced colleagues will step in.
Where you'll be & extend your stay
Once famed for smuggling, Robin Hood's Bay is an atmospheric old fishing village. Steeped in history, the winding streets and picture-postcard cottages tumble down to an expansive coastline ideal for stargazing.
We'll take the old railway line - now called the Cinder Track - up towards Ravenscar before descending down towards the beach and back to Robin Hood's Bay.
Why not extend your stay so you can really reap the benefits of this super-chilled area? Take a look at these websites for some accommodation options:
Baytown Holiday Cottages,
Robin Hood's Bay Tourism Association , YHA Boggle Hole,
Newlands Farm Cottages or North York Moors National Park.
Images by AFS Mountaineering and Milky Way picture by Steve Bell (with kind permission)
