The Hole of Horcum playlist
Introduction by Adam Ditchburn, Interpretation Manager for the National Park
A walk in the National Park offers a wonderful opportunity to escape the rush of everyday life. It’s often assumed that means becoming unplugged, turning off our screens and just ‘being’ in the natural world. Sometimes though, staying a little plugged-in can provide some magic too.
One of my favourite ways of experiencing landscape is through music. I love to curate playlists, which speak to the place I’m exploring, or the stories connected to it. I think about what kind of mood the place evokes and what I’m hoping to get out of my adventure. I’m not alone in this; streaming platforms are filled with playlists which relate to place, especially in the United States where they've been created especially for journeying through National Parks.
Over the past year, I’ve spent a lot of time at the Hole of Horcum, one of the most spectacular features in the North York Moors National Park and have been inspired to create this playlist. I think it speaks to wide horizons and mythic scale. This is music for a vast landscape, where tales of giants echo on the breeze and ancient woodlands breathe at its edges. You could listen while you walk, or take a seat on our new, accessible viewing platform.
My tips:
- Download the songs before you visit, signal can be sketchy.
- Wear earphones so you don’t impact anyone else’s visit.
- Listen quietly, that way the music will complement the natural sounds around you, rather than replace them.
- Be aware of your surroundings and other people, let the music accompany you rather than distract.
- Check out our Share with Care information to ensure we all look after this remarkable place.
I've added videos from YouTube below, but as of time of writing all songs are available on the major streaming platforms, here are links to the playlist on Spotify and Apple Music.
Songs:
1. Flight from the City. Jóhann Jóhannsson
2. Varuo. Sigur Rós
3. Bachelorette. Björk
4. Pyramid Song. Radiohead
5. Things Behind the Sun. Nick Drake
6. Hello Earth. Kate Bush