The North York Moors and Yorkshire Dales National Parks have both just joined the exclusive worldwide band of Dark Sky Reserves which reminded us just how fantastic an experience it is to enjoy the simple pleasures of walking and standing under a pristine night sky.

An item on the Large Outdoors kit list that often surprises people is the head torch. Unless you are doing one of our mega night walks on Snowdon or taking part in the Dark Skies Festival, you may think it’s a waste of time carrying one.

The North York Moors is my local patch and I often think: ‘How lucky am I?’ as I stride out on another good walking route without having to travel any great distance.