Sutton Bank, North York Moors National Park, England
Run in partnership with AFS Mountaineering
What you'll do
From the edge of this ancient land, the vistas are simply breathtaking. On a clear day you can watch the sun set behind the Yorkshire Dales in the distance. Below are expansive, flat plains that go on as far as the eye can see.
It's the most perfect place to watch day turn to night. Walk by the light of the moon. Or gaze in wonder at a sparkling, star-filled sky when it's very dark.
But first you'll descend down a long, steep hill to a natural wonder.
Cradled by ancient woodlands, you'll find Gormire Lake at the bottom of the steep escarpment. Formed over 20,000 years ago, there is a profound depth of stillness here that is worth the scramble down. On clear, dark nights you'll see constellations, planets and maybe the Milky Way reflected on the surface of its deep waters.
Afterwards, you'll slowly scramble back up the long hill to the top, where you'll be rewarded with huge star-filled skies. When clear you'll see so many stars it will take your breath away. It truly is simply stunning.
Woven into the evening will be a sensory exploration led by Alison - a mindfulness instructor. Here, you'll discover how to reconnect to this big wide-world and dark sky above you in a completely different way. It will also magically bring you back to THIS precious moment, making your feel AMAZING.
You’ll stop every now and again to gaze in wonder at the celestial heavens above. Guided by Fabian - our specialist mountain leader and dark skies enthusiast - you’ll learn more about our own planet, universe and deep time. It’s utterly fascinating…
Of course we cannot guarantee the weather, but even if it's cloudy, scientists have now proved embracing the dark is good for the soul. Walking at night is an incredible experience that is invigorating, immersive and is a surprising mood-booster. What's not to like?!
Further information - PLEASE READ BEFORE BOOKING
The walk length is roughly 5 miles on relatively good footpaths. We will travel down and back up a long, very steep escarpment, but the journey to see the lake will be worth it! We will encounter mud and rough ground too. Please wear walking boots with good grip. We will send you more detailed joining instructions nearer the time.
For your comfort, a VERY good level of fitness will be needed for this activity. If in any doubt, please contact Alison BEFORE booking.
Please refer to our
Terms & Conditions
before
booking. Booking fees are non-refundable.
At a Glance
Group size:
12 people maximum
Includes:
Prices from £39 / person
Sat 25 Jan 2025
5.15-8.15pm
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.
Learn a secret formula to enable feelings of awe & wonder - no matter if the skies are clear or cloudy.
Learn about the history & 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
For accommodation, take a look at Go Stargazing's Stay and Gaze or Discover Yorkshire Coast (covers all the North York Moors).
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
is the owner of 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, Yoga teacher, and former Zen Buddhist, 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. When Fabian is not available, his very experienced colleagues will step in.
The evening's adventure is centred around the south-western edge of the North York Moors National Park.
We start at Sutton Bank, traverse part of the Cleveland Way before descending down to Gormire Lake. From there we'll pick a route back up to the top of the escarpment where the skies are simply huge and excellent for stargazing.
This fascinating area is steeped in both geological and man-made history, which you will learn more about on this experience.
Why not extend your stay so you can really reap the benefits of this super-chilled area? Take a look at Go Stargazing's
Stay and Gaze or
Discover Yorkshire Coast (covers all the North York Moors).
Images: AFS Mountaineering, Hewitt & Walker
As featured in:
We appeared in this fantastic Guardian article on how to embrace the dark.
Featured in:
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