Dark Skies Festival Night Walk – Robin Hood’s Bay

Join us for a fabulous walk from the iconic Robin Hood’s Bay to experience the coastline of the North York Moors National Park, a designated International Dark Sky Reserve, by night.

Experience Type: Day Experience
Distance: Approx. 5 miles (8km)
Duration: 3 hours
Group Size: Maximum 20 participants
Level: Leisurely
Age: 10 + (under 18s must be accompanied by parent/guardian throughout)
Dogs: No dogs, except trained assistance dogs

Collections: North York Moors : Dark Skies & Stargazing

In a Nutshell: 

  • Wander in awe as you walk under a truly dark sky in the North York Moors National Park - an International Dark Sky Reserve. 

  • Switch off from everyday life and absorb the feeling of remoteness as we explore the quiet coastline at night.

  • Enjoy walking with an experienced Large Outdoors guide and a group of fellow star chasers.

Please note: this walk will go ahead regardless of the weather forecast, as long as the weather conditions are safe. If it’s cloudy or raining we will still walk (and cross our fingers for some clear skies during the evening!).

 
 

How do we grade our walks?

Try to find the horizon between the starry sky and the sea on this magnificent night walk…

The coastal path between the villages of Robin Hood’s Bay and Ravenscar is one of our favourite routes during the daylight hours, but going on an after-dark wander in this area adds a whole new dimension.

This is an area renowned for harbouring smugglers, who would haul their contraband up from the sea and into a network of tunnels and alleys in Robin’s Hood Bay under the cover of darkness. Imagine these night-time antics as you walk the very paths they may have used, tuning in to the sounds and smells of the sea, under a similar inky dark sky.

The route is approximately 5 miles (8km) and the Large Outdoors guide will meet you outside The Victoria Hotel - they offer dinner, drinks and overnight stays (please contact them directly for availability).

Suggested Itinerary

Your Large Outdoors guide will welcome you and the other participants at 6:45pm in Robin Hood’s Bay for this guided night walk. There’ll be time for a safety briefing and to check everyone’s head torch is working properly (please see the Compulsory Kit List section below) before we begin.

Following the Cleveland Way National Trail, we’ll pass the evocatively named Boggle Hole, a dramatic cove once used by smugglers and now a great spot for stargazing.

There’ll be plenty of opportunities to stop and admire the magnificent night sky on this walk. Your guide will help you spot constellations and celestial bodies, making the most of a truly dark sky (assuming the weather behaves nicely, of course!).

Good to Know

  • Meeting Time: Please meet your guide at 6:45pm, for a prompt 7pm start.

    Meeting Location:
    Outside of The Victoria Hotel
    Station Road
    Robin Hood's Bay
    YO22 4RL

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    Parking: The meeting location is close to two pay-and-display car parks in Robin Hood's Bay - Bank Top Car Park (YO22 4QN) and Station Road Car Park (YO22 4RE).

    Public Transport: Unfortunately, the meeting location and timings for this Large Outdoors experience mean it is not accessible via public transport.

    Finish Time: We aim to finish around 10pm.

  • Included:

    • A Large Outdoors guide to lead you on your Dark Skies Festival Night Walk from Robin Hood’s Bay.

    • The chance to make new friends and meet like-minded people - Large Outdoors is all about making outdoor adventures sociable.

    • Pre-event support from the Large Outdoors team - give us a shout if there’s any advice or information you need and check out our Blog for useful articles too.

    Not included:

    • Travel to and from the meeting location.

    • Travel/activity insurance - we recommend having insurance to cover, at a minimum: cancellation and curtailment; medical and emergency expenses (including repatriation); personal accident; injury and death.

  • Please see our General (Walking) Kit List.

    The compulsory items are selected for your safety, which is of paramount importance to us at Large Outdoors. Each participant should be carrying the items listed.

    DON’T FORGET: To bring your head torch - you will not be allowed to start the walk if you don’t have a working head torch with you. We insist on a head torch for your safety - a handheld torch or the torch on your phone is NOT suitable.

  • • What level of fitness is needed?
    This experience is rated as Leisurely. Click here to see Large Outdoors’ Experience Levels.

    • Will the walk be cancelled if it’s cloudy or raining?
    No, this walk will go ahead regardless of the weather forecast, as long as the weather conditions are safe. If it’s cloudy or raining we will still walk (and cross our fingers for some clear skies during the evening!).

    • Can I attend on my own?
    Absolutely. The majority of our participants are solo travellers and adventurers. Plenty of fun, laughter and numerous long-term friendships (and a few marriages!) have begun on Large Outdoors experiences since 2008, so there’s no need to feel worried about your first experience, or indeed trying a new type of outdoor activity, with us.

    • What transport is provided during this trip?
    We do not provide any transport for this experience.

    • Can I bring my dog?
    Dogs are not allowed on this experience, except for trained assistance dogs. If you wish to bring your trained assistance dog, please let us know in advance of booking so we can discuss the itinerary and any activity/equipment, and of course additional safety requirements or considerations that may be necessary.

 

 Book your Dark Skies Festival Night Walk - Robin Hood’s Bay

 

This map is provided for guidance regarding the general location. For detailed meeting information, please refer to the 'Meeting Time & Location' section.