North York Moors National Park - Walking & Adventures
As our home park, the North York Moors National Park holds a special place in our hearts. With expansive heather moorlands, dramatic coastal cliffs, and hidden valleys, it's a true walker’s paradise. We design our guided walking breaks to take you beyond the usual tourist spots and into some of the park's most breathtaking, unspoilt areas.
Exploring the North York Moors on a guided walk from Sutton Bank National Park Centre
Why Visit the North York Moors National Park with Large Outdoors?
Join the sociable Large Outdoors walking group as we guide you through our home National Park, where we’re proud to be a National Park Champion. From sweeping purple heather moors to ancient woodlands, charming market towns, and the rugged coastline, the North York Moors offers incredible variety. With over 1,400 miles of trails, we’ll take you on everything from leisurely walks to more challenging treks, all while enjoying great company and the unique character of this remarkable landscape.
Walking Weekends in the North York Moors
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New Year’s Eve Walking Holiday - North York Moors
Join Large Outdoors for guided walks and a festive New Year’s stay!
North York Moors - Dark Skies Festival
Experience the Dark Skies Festival in the North York Moors with Large Outdoors, where the magic of stargazing takes centre stage. Join us for guided night walks, stargazing experiences at Sutton Bank, and sociable weekend stays in this stunning National Park. Whether you’re marvelling at the constellations or enjoying the camaraderie of like-minded adventurers, our events showcase the incredible dark skies of this celebrated area. Find your perfect festival experience with us!
Guided Walks & Experiences in the North York Moors
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Castle to Abbey - Yorkshire Coast Challenge
Join Large Outdoors for a 22-mile guided walk along the coastal Cleveland Way. From Scarborough Castle to Whitby Abbey.
Latest News, Blogs and North York Moors Galleries:
Some of the Best Walks in the North York Moors
The North York Moors National Park is home to some of the most diverse and scenic walks in the UK. From dramatic coastal trails to serene heather moorlands, there’s a route for every type of walker. Here are just a few of the standout walks we offer:
Castle to Abbey Coastal Challenge: A dramatic cliff-top journey from Scarborough Castle to Whitby Abbey.
England’s Finest View from Sutton Bank: A gentle trail with breathtaking views over the Vale of York and Gormire Lake.
Rosedale Abbey Walk: A picturesque route through valleys, woodlands, and historic mining sites.
Join Large Outdoors for guided walks that are sociable, safe, and led by local experts who make every step an adventure.
Seasonal Adventures and Wildlife in the North York Moors National Park
The North York Moors National Park is teeming with diverse wildlife that changes with the seasons. In spring, listen for the calls of curlews and skylarks in the moorlands, while summer brings the sight of purple heather in full bloom and butterflies flitting among wildflowers. Autumn is perfect for spotting red deer in the woods and migratory birds along the coast near Whitby. Winter offers a quieter landscape, where you may encounter hardy species like roe deer and flocks of fieldfares.
Pic: Colin Carter, Curlew at Danby, North York Moors
Discover the Distinctive Dark Skies of the North York Moors
The North York Moors National Park is renowned not only for its stunning landscapes but also for its designation as a Dark Sky Reserve, making it one of the UK’s top destinations for stargazing. This distinctive status ensures minimal light pollution, allowing for incredible views of the night sky.
At Sutton Bank and other locations across the park, Large Outdoors offers unique Dark Skies Experiences, including night walks and Walking and Stargazing Weekends. Whether you're spotting constellations, marvelling at meteor showers, or simply enjoying the tranquillity of the star-filled skies, our expert-led events provide a magical way to connect with this remarkable environment.
What is Heather Moorland and Why is the North York Moors Famous for It?
Heather moorland is one of the UK's most iconic and unique landscapes, characterised by vast, open expanses of low-growing shrubs like heather, gorse, and bilberry. These habitats thrive in upland areas with nutrient-poor soils, creating a rich ecosystem that supports a variety of wildlife, from ground-nesting birds like red grouse to rare insects and plants.
The North York Moors National Park is home to one of the largest continuous stretches of heather moorland in England, making it a standout destination for those seeking stunning natural beauty. Throughout late summer and early autumn, the moors burst into vibrant purple and pink hues as the heather blooms, creating breathtaking views across the landscape.
The moorland also plays a vital role in preserving biodiversity and storing carbon, contributing to the fight against climate change. Its cultural and historical significance adds to its charm, with ancient tracks and boundary stones weaving through these wild, untamed spaces.
Walking through the heather moorlands of the North York Moors is an unforgettable experience, offering both tranquillity and a chance to immerse yourself in one of the UK's most treasured natural habitats.
Explore the North York Moors with Large Outdoors
Where are the North York Moors?
The North York Moors are in North Yorkshire, England, just north of the historic city of York. The name reflects their location as the moorlands north of York, stretching from the Vale of York to the coastline near Whitby. This National Park is celebrated for its sweeping heather moorlands, charming villages, and dramatic coastal cliffs.