New Year Walking Break – North York Moors
Looking for a quieter way to spend New Year? Join Large Outdoors for four nights of leisurely winter walking, relaxed evenings and good company in the North York Moors, without the parties, crowds or pressure to stay up until midnight.
Based in Pickering, we'll explore the moors and Yorkshire coast with a small group of no more than eight guests. With comfortable hotel accommodation, breakfasts and transport during the break included, you can enjoy the walking and leave the arrangements to us. Most people join on their own, so you'll be in good company from the start.
Holiday at a Glance
Duration
4 nights · 4 walking days
Walking grade
Leisurely
Distance
6–10 miles per day
Price
From £695pp
Group size
Maximum 8
Accommodation
Hotel
Transport
Car-free · Transport included
Meals
Breakfasts included
Check Dates & Book Your Place
Upcoming departure dates:
Wednesday 30 December - Sunday 3 January 2027
Choose your preferred date and room type in the booking form to check availability and reserve your place.
Deposits – Pay a 20% deposit when booking more than 12 weeks before departure. The remaining balance is due 12 weeks before departure.
A Quieter Way to Spend New Year
Not everyone wants crowds, expensive parties or a late night on New Year's Eve. If you'd rather enjoy some winter walking, good company and relaxed evenings, this break offers a quieter alternative.
We'll make the most of the winter days, heading out for leisurely walks across the North York Moors and Yorkshire coast. Along the way, we might explore open moorland, wooded valleys, old railway routes and coastal villages, with time to stop for a coffee or enjoy the views.
Our base is Pickering, where we'll return each evening for a relaxed meal and a drink. And as it's New Year, we've upgraded everyone to a Premier Plus room, with a mini-fridge, complimentary water and snacks, an espresso coffee machine, faster Wi-Fi, a comfortable armchair and an upgraded rainfall shower.
On New Year's Eve, we'll enjoy dinner together before returning to the hotel. You're welcome to stay up to see in the New Year, but there won't be an organised midnight celebration or any pressure to join in. The following morning, we'll be heading out for another walk.
With no more than eight guests, it's a lovely way to enjoy New Year with a small, sociable group, without the fuss of a big celebration.
Highlights
A small, relaxed New Year group of no more than eight guests.
Four days of leisurely guided winter walking.
Moorland, wooded valleys, railway trails and Yorkshire coastal paths.
Comfortable Premier Plus hotel rooms for every guest.
Sociable evening meals without a late-night party programme.
Suggested Itinerary
Our daily plans will remain flexible. Winter weather, daylight, ground conditions and local opening times will help determine which routes we use.
The locations below show the range of places we may explore rather than a fixed day-by-day programme.
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Hotel rooms will be available from approximately 15:00.
You can travel directly to Pickering or reserve a place on our complimentary collection from Malton railway station at approximately 18:00. The station transfer must be requested when booking or arranged with the Large Outdoors office in advance.
Once everyone has arrived, we’ll meet at the hotel before going out for dinner together. It will be a relaxed first evening, giving you time to meet the group and hear more about the possible walks.
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Across the four walking days, we’ll choose from a range of routes around the North York Moors and Yorkshire coast.
One day is likely to take us to Whitby, where we can combine coastal walking with time to explore the harbour, historic streets and independent shops. We also plan to have fish and chips together before returning to Pickering.
In the heart of the moors, we may explore Goathland and Grosmont, following paths through the villages, valleys and old railway landscape. Another option is Rosedale, with its open countryside and remains from the area’s ironstone mining history.
Depending on the conditions, we could head towards Helmsley and Rievaulx Abbey or walk along the escarpment at Sutton Bank.
We may also include a second coastal day. Possible locations include the fishing village of Staithes or the cliffs around Flamborough and Bempton.
Walks will usually cover approximately six to eight miles and will be graded Leisurely. Routes may include muddy, uneven or slippery paths, and some hills should still be expected.
On the final day, we’ll complete a shorter walk before returning guests to Malton railway station around 15:00.
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New Year’s Eve will follow the same relaxed style as the rest of the break.
After our walk, there will be time to get changed before we head out for dinner together. We’ll then return to the hotel for a quiet evening.
There is no organised party, entertainment or midnight event. You are welcome to stay up to see in the new year, but there is no expectation to do so. An early night is equally acceptable, particularly as we’ll be walking again the following day.
Essential Information
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Meeting Locations & Times
Hotel Check-in – From 15:00
You can check in at our accommodation from 15:00 on the first day.
Premier Inn Pickering
Thornton Road
Pickering
YO18 7HZTravelling by Train
Malton is the nearest railway station to Pickering.
Station Pickups
We offer a complimentary collection from Malton railway station at 18:00 on the first day.
Station collection must be requested when booking.
Travelling by Car & Parking
Free parking is available at Premier Inn Pickering.
You must register your vehicle at hotel reception when you arrive.
Transport During the Trip
Transport to and from all planned guided walks is included for every guest, whether you arrive by train or car.
You won't need to use your own vehicle during the break.
Ferries & Boat Transfers
No ferries or boat transfers are required for this break.
Departure & Return Travel
On the final day, we expect to return guests to Malton railway station between approximately 15:00 and 17:00.
If booking a return train, please allow for arrival at Malton towards the end of this window.
Important Travel Information
No additional travel information applies to this trip.
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Accommodation Location
We'll be staying for four nights at:
Premier Inn Pickering
Thornton Road
Pickering
YO18 7HZPickering makes a convenient base for exploring the North York Moors and Yorkshire coast.
Accommodation Type
For this New Year break, we've upgraded everyone to a Premier Plus room, offering a few extra comforts after a winter day outdoors.
Rooms include a mini-fridge with complimentary water and snacks, an espresso coffee machine, Ultimate Wi-Fi, a comfortable armchair, an improved workspace and vanity area, an iron and ironing board, and an upgraded rainfall shower.
Bedrooms & Sleeping Arrangements
Accommodation is in private hotel bedrooms, with comfortable beds and your own space to relax after each day's walking.
Room Options
All guests stay in private Premier Plus rooms. There are three booking options:
Sole Occupancy Double – A double room for one person, with no room sharing.
Twin Room – A private room for two people, with two separate beds.
Double Room – A private room for two people, with one double bed.
There are no shared male or female room options on this break. If you're travelling solo, simply choose the Sole Occupancy Double option.
Bathrooms
Every room has a private en-suite bathroom with an upgraded rainfall shower.
Bedding & Towels
All bedding and towels are provided by the hotel. Please bring your own toiletries.
Breakfast
Breakfast is included each morning at the hotel, with a choice of hot and continental breakfast options.
Packed Lunches
Packed lunches are not included. You'll need to purchase your own lunch or refreshments during the walking days.
We recommend bringing a reusable water bottle and a few snacks for the walks.
Evening Meals
Evening meals are not included in the holiday price.
We'll head out together to local pubs and restaurants, including a planned fish and chip supper in Whitby.
You'll pay directly for your own food and drinks, giving you the freedom to choose what you'd like to eat and spend.
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Accommodation & Meals
Included
Four nights' accommodation at Premier Inn Pickering in upgraded Premier Plus rooms.
Breakfast each morning.
Not Included
Lunches and walking snacks.
Evening meals, including the planned fish and chip supper in Whitby.
Drinks purchased during the break.
Guiding & Support
Included
Four guided walks led by a Large Outdoors host.
A small group of no more than eight guests.
Not Included
Personal walking clothing and equipment.
Optional activities or attraction entry fees.
Transport & Transfers
Included
Transport to and from all planned guided walks.
Complimentary collection from Malton railway station at 18:00 on the first day, if requested when booking.
Return transfer to Malton railway station on the final day.
Not Included
Travel to and from Malton or Pickering.
Additional Costs & Exclusions
Not Included
Personal travel insurance.
Any personal purchases or additional expenses.
New Year's Eve arrangements
This is a peaceful New Year walking break, so there is no organised New Year's Eve party or midnight celebration.
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Walking Grade
Leisurely
This break is graded Leisurely, with four days of guided walking at a comfortable, unhurried pace.
We'll generally aim to walk around 6–10 miles each day, with regular breaks to enjoy the scenery, take photographs and stop for refreshments where possible.
There's no need to be a fast walker, but you should be comfortable spending several hours outdoors.
Terrain & Conditions
Our walks will explore a mixture of moorland paths, woodland trails, valleys, old railway routes and coastal paths.
Expect some uneven ground, gentle hills, occasional steeper sections and potentially muddy or slippery paths.
Winter conditions can make walking more demanding than the distance alone might suggest, particularly after prolonged rain.
Fitness & Experience
You don't need to be an experienced hillwalker, but you should have a reasonable level of fitness and be comfortable walking up to 10 miles over varied terrain.
We'll walk at a steady, sociable pace, with time for breaks along the way.
If you're new to guided group walking, this can be a good introduction, provided you're comfortable with the distances involved.
Seasonal Conditions
New Year in the North York Moors can bring cold temperatures, wind, rain, frost and short daylight hours.
Some paths may be particularly muddy or waterlogged, so waterproof walking boots with good grip and suitable winter clothing are important.
Our guide may adjust the planned routes depending on weather, ground conditions and daylight to ensure the walks remain appropriate for the group.
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Walking Clothing & Footwear
Waterproof walking boots with good grip are strongly recommended, as paths can be muddy, wet or slippery at this time of year.
Bring comfortable walking trousers, warm layers, a waterproof jacket and waterproof overtrousers. A warm hat and gloves are also essential for winter walking.
Avoid jeans and cotton clothing for the walks, as they can become uncomfortable when wet.
What to Carry on Walks
You'll need a comfortable day rucksack with enough space for:
Waterproof clothing and an extra warm layer.
A packed lunch and walking snacks.
A reusable water bottle.
Any personal medication.
A hat and gloves.
A small personal first-aid kit.
Walking poles are optional but can be particularly useful on muddy or uneven paths.
Clothing for Accommodation
Bring comfortable casual clothing and a change of footwear for relaxing at the hotel and visiting local pubs and restaurants in the evenings.
There's no need for formal clothing, including on New Year's Eve.
Trip-Specific Extras
As we'll be walking over New Year, it's worth bringing:
Spare walking socks in case your boots get wet.
A small flask for a hot drink during winter walks.
A headtorch, particularly useful during the shorter winter days.
A waterproof cover or dry bag for your rucksack.
Full Kit List
We've put together a useful walking kit list to help you prepare for your holiday.
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Booking Confirmation
Once you've booked, you'll receive a confirmation email with your booking details and our full booking terms.
Deposits & Balance Payments
If you've paid a deposit, we'll automatically email you a reminder when your remaining balance is due. Balances are normally due 12 weeks before departure.
Your Trip WhatsApp Group
Ahead of your trip, we'll invite you to join a dedicated WhatsApp group for your holiday.
It's a great way to say hello to your fellow walkers, ask questions and get to know everyone before you arrive. Most of our guests join us on their own, so it's a nice way to break the ice.
Joining is entirely optional.
Final Details
A couple of days before departure, we'll send you a final reminder with your guide or host's name and contact number, along with any important last-minute information.
Keeping Up to Date
Everything you need to plan your trip, including meeting locations, times, accommodation and travel arrangements, is provided on this page.
We recommend checking back here from time to time before departure, as we'll update the page if any arrangements change. You don't need to wait for your final email to organise your travel.
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Can I come on my own?
Absolutely. Most people join Large Outdoors on their own, and this break is particularly suited to solo travellers looking for a relaxed, sociable New Year. With no more than eight guests, it's easy to get to know everyone.
Do I have to join every walk and evening meal?
No. You're welcome to take some time for yourself or skip a walk if you'd prefer a quieter day. Evening meals are sociable but optional, so there's no pressure to join every activity.
What happens on New Year's Eve?
We'll enjoy a relaxed evening meal together before returning to the hotel. There won't be an organised party or midnight celebration, although you're welcome to stay up to see in the New Year if you wish.
Check Dates & Book Your Place
Upcoming departure dates:
Wednesday 30 December - Sunday 3 January 2027
Choose your preferred date and room type in the booking form to check availability and reserve your place.
Deposits – Pay a 20% deposit when booking more than 12 weeks before departure. The remaining balance is due 12 weeks before departure.
Questions Before You Book?
Not sure whether this walking holiday is right for you? We're always happy to help with questions about the walks, accommodation or joining us on your own.
Email hello@largeoutdoors.com or get in touch through WhatsApp.
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