Yorkshire Dales New Year Walking Break – A Sociable New Year in the Dales

Meeting Locations & Times

Hostel Arrival – From 17:00

You are welcome to arrive at our accommodation from 17:00 on the first day, where your Large Outdoors host will be ready to welcome you.

Kettlewell Hostel
Whernside House
Kettlewell
North Yorkshire
BD23 5QU

Dinner is usually served at around 20:00. If you expect to arrive later, please eat before travelling.

Travelling by Train

Skipton is the nearest railway station for our organised collections.

There is also a local bus service between Skipton and Kettlewell for guests making their own way to the hostel.

Station Pickups

We offer two complimentary collections from Skipton railway station on the first day:

16:30 – Maximum 8 guests

18:00 – Maximum 8 guests

Places are limited and allocated on a first-come, first-served basis.

You must reserve your station collection during the booking process.

Travelling by Car & Parking

Kettlewell is accessible by road from Leeds, Harrogate, Skipton and the surrounding Yorkshire area.

Free on-street parking is available in the village, although spaces are limited.

Please park considerately and avoid blocking residents' driveways or access.

Transport During the Trip

Transport to and from the walks is not included.

Some walks start directly from Kettlewell Hostel, while others may require a short drive to the starting point.

Where necessary, we arrange informal car sharing between guests to help everyone reach the planned walking routes.

Ferries & Boat Transfers

No ferries or boat transfers are required for this break.

Departure & Return Travel

On the final morning, we offer two complimentary return transfers to Skipton railway station:

08:00 – Departure from Kettlewell Hostel

09:00 – Final departure from Kettlewell Hostel

These are departure times from the hostel, not arrival times at Skipton station. Please allow sufficient time for your onward train journey.

Guests travelling independently can make their own departure arrangements.

Important Travel Information

There are no additional travel arrangements for this trip.

Accommodation Location

We'll be staying for four nights at:

Kettlewell Hostel
Whernside House
Kettlewell
North Yorkshire
BD23 5QU

Located in the heart of Kettlewell, the hostel is a great base for exploring Wharfedale and the surrounding Yorkshire Dales.

Accommodation Type

Kettlewell Hostel is an award-winning hostel and has been a favourite Large Outdoors base for many years.

The hostel has a spacious dining room where we'll enjoy meals together, plus a cosy upstairs lounge with comfortable seating and an open fire.

These shared spaces are a big part of the experience, giving everyone somewhere to relax, chat and get to know each other after a day's walking.

Bedrooms & Sleeping Arrangements

Accommodation is in shared same-sex dormitory rooms.

Most bedrooms sleep three or four guests, with the largest accommodating up to six people. Beds are a mixture of single beds and bunk beds.

Room Options

Shared Female Room – Your own bed in a dormitory shared with other female guests.

Shared Male Room – Your own bed in a dormitory shared with other male guests.

There are no private bedroom options available on this break.

Bathrooms

Bathroom facilities are shared and located close to the bedrooms.

Bedding & Towels

All bedding is provided by the hostel.

Please bring your own towel, along with your usual toiletries.

Breakfast

Four breakfasts are included during your stay.

Breakfast is a relaxed, help-yourself affair at the hostel, with a selection of cereals, toast, fruit, yoghurts and other breakfast essentials.

Tea and coffee are also available.

Packed Lunches

Three packed lunches are included, one for each full walking day.

We provide sandwiches, crisps, biscuits and fruit to take out on your walk.

Drinks are not included in the packed lunches, so please bring your own reusable water bottle or drinks container. Drinking water is available at the hostel for filling your bottle before setting off.

You're also welcome to bring any additional snacks or favourite walking treats you'd like during the day.

We recommend bringing a lunchbox or suitable container to carry your packed lunch.

Evening Meals

Four two-course evening meals are included, served together at the hostel.

Meals are home-cooked, hearty and sociable, with everyone gathering around the dining tables after a day outdoors.

Tea and coffee are available throughout your stay.

You're welcome to bring your own alcoholic or soft drinks, including something to enjoy on New Year's Eve.

Dietary Requirements

We can cater for vegetarian and vegan diets, as well as meals prepared using gluten-free or dairy-free ingredients. Please provide your dietary requirements when booking.

As meals are prepared in shared kitchen facilities, we cannot guarantee against cross-contamination.

Unfortunately, we're unable to accommodate severe allergies or highly specialised dietary requirements. If you have a medical food allergy, please contact us before booking so we can advise whether the trip is suitable.

Accommodation & Meals

Included

• Four nights' accommodation at Kettlewell Hostel in shared same-sex rooms.

• Four help-yourself breakfasts.

• Three packed lunches, including sandwiches, crisps, biscuits and fruit.

• Four two-course evening meals.

• Tea and coffee throughout your stay.

• Bedding.

Not Included

• Drinks to accompany packed lunches.

• Additional walking snacks or food beyond the meals provided.

• Alcoholic and soft drinks.

• Towels and personal toiletries.

Guiding & Support

Included

• Three full days of guided walking with experienced Large Outdoors hosts.

• A choice of Leisurely or Active walks on most walking days, subject to conditions and group arrangements.

• A Large Outdoors host on site throughout the break.

Not Included

• Personal walking clothing and equipment.

• Optional attractions, activities or entry fees.

Transport & Transfers

Included

• Complimentary collection from Skipton railway station at 16:30 or 18:00 on the first day, subject to availability and advance booking.

• Complimentary return transfer to Skipton railway station on the final morning, departing Kettlewell at 08:00 or 09:00.

Not Included

• Travel to and from Kettlewell or Skipton.

• Transport to and from individual walks. Where required, informal car sharing is arranged between guests.

Additional Costs & Exclusions

Not Included

• Personal travel insurance.

• Personal spending and purchases during the break.

• Any additional expenses not specifically listed as included.

Walking Grade

Leisurely & Active

We aim to offer two guided walks each day, giving you the choice between a Leisurely walk and a more challenging Active walk.

You don't need to choose your walking grade when booking, and you're not committed to the same grade throughout the break.

You might enjoy a leisurely valley walk one day and head for the hills on an Active walk the next. Your Large Outdoors host will explain the following day's walking options each evening, so you can decide which suits you.

Leisurely – Approximately 6–9 miles

Steady-paced, sociable walks with time to enjoy the scenery, take photographs and stop for breaks. These may include valley paths, riverside trails and villages, with some hills and uneven ground.

Active – Approximately 9–14 miles

Longer, more demanding walks that may include sustained climbs, hilltops and rougher terrain. These are suited to walkers who enjoy a more energetic day out and are comfortable with greater distances and ascent.

Walk options will depend on weather, ground conditions and the guides available.

Terrain & Conditions

The Yorkshire Dales offers varied walking, from riverside paths and limestone valleys to open moorland, rocky trails and exposed hills.

Expect uneven surfaces, muddy or slippery paths, stiles and some steep sections. Active routes are likely to involve more climbing and potentially rougher ground.

Winter conditions can make walking more demanding, particularly on higher or exposed routes.

Fitness & Experience

For Leisurely walks, you should be comfortable walking up to nine miles over varied countryside, including some hills and uneven ground.

For Active walks, you should have a good level of walking fitness and be comfortable covering up to 14 miles, including sustained climbs and potentially challenging terrain.

You don't need to be an expert walker, but you should choose a route that matches your fitness and experience.

You can switch between the two grades on different days, depending on how you're feeling and the walking options available.

Seasonal Conditions

New Year in the Yorkshire Dales can bring cold temperatures, rain, strong winds, frost and occasionally snow or ice.

Daylight hours are short, and paths may be particularly wet or muddy.

Our guides will choose suitable routes based on the weather, ground conditions and daylight available. This may mean adjusting distances, changing destinations or offering different walking options to those originally planned.

Walking Clothing & Footwear

You'll need suitable clothing and footwear for winter walking in the Yorkshire Dales.

Waterproof walking boots with good grip are strongly recommended, as paths can be muddy, rocky, wet or slippery.

Please bring:

• Waterproof jacket and waterproof overtrousers.

• Comfortable walking trousers (avoid jeans).

• Warm layers, including a fleece or insulated jacket.

• Warm hat and gloves.

• Several pairs of walking socks.

• Spare walking clothes in case anything gets wet.

Winter weather in the Dales can change quickly, particularly on higher ground, so it's important to be prepared for cold, wet and windy conditions.

What to Carry on Walks

You'll need a comfortable day rucksack with enough space for:

• Waterproof clothing and an extra warm layer.

• Your packed lunch and additional walking snacks.

• A reusable water bottle or drinks container.

• Any personal medication.

• A small personal first-aid kit.

• A headtorch.

Walking poles are optional but can be particularly useful on muddy paths, steep sections and uneven ground.

Clothing for Accommodation

We'll be staying in shared hostel accommodation, so bring comfortable casual clothing and a change of footwear for relaxing indoors.

Please also pack:

• A towel, as these are not provided.

• Your usual toiletries.

• Slippers or clean indoor footwear.

• Nightwear suitable for shared bedrooms.

• Earplugs, if you're a light sleeper.

• Casual clothing for the evenings.

There's no need for formal clothing on New Year's Eve.

Trip-Specific Extras

A headtorch is required for this break. It's useful in the shared bedrooms without disturbing other guests, and for walking around Kettlewell after dark, including trips to the village pub.

Other useful items include:

• A flask for a hot drink on winter walks.

• A lunchbox or reusable container for your packed lunches.

• A waterproof rucksack cover or dry bag.

• Spare footwear for evenings out.

• Any alcoholic or soft drinks you'd like to enjoy at the hostel, particularly on New Year's Eve.

• A portable charger for your phone.

Full Kit List

We've put together a useful walking kit list to help you prepare for your holiday.

View our full walking kit list here →

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.

Can I come on my own?

Absolutely. Most people join Large Outdoors on their own, and our New Year breaks are a great way to meet people who enjoy walking and the outdoors.

You'll have plenty of opportunities to get to know everyone through the guided walks, shared meals and relaxed evenings at the hostel.

I've never stayed in a hostel before. Will it suit me?

Many of our guests are new to hostel accommodation, so you certainly won't be the only one.

Kettlewell Hostel has comfortable communal spaces, a cosy lounge with an open fire and a spacious dining room where we enjoy meals together.

Bedrooms and bathrooms are shared, but that's also part of what makes this such a sociable break. If you're happy sharing a bedroom with other guests, it's a welcoming and affordable way to enjoy New Year in the Dales.

Do I have to choose between Leisurely and Active walks when booking?

No. We aim to offer both walking grades each day, and you can choose which walk you'd like to join the evening before.

You're free to switch between grades throughout the break, depending on how you're feeling and which routes appeal to you.

What happens on New Year's Eve?

We'll enjoy a two-course evening meal together at the hostel, followed by a relaxed, sociable evening to welcome the New Year.

You're welcome to bring your own drinks, including something to raise a glass with at midnight. There's no formal dress code or expensive party to attend.

Can I come with a friend or partner?

Of course. You're welcome to book with a friend or partner, although most guests join independently.

Accommodation is in shared same-sex dormitory rooms rather than private bedrooms, so couples should be aware that they won't necessarily be sharing a room.