Festivals and events

Walking festivals

There are four 'Walkers are Welcome' towns and villages in and around the North York Moors (Guisborough, Loftus Parish, Rosedale Abbey and Thirsk), all committed to making visits from walkers as enjoyable as possible.

Some of them organise annual walking festivals too, wonderfully intimate affairs showcasing the best of the North York Moors. They're a great way to experience the spectacular scenery and meet like-minded souls.

• Redcar & Cleveland's Walking Festivals (October 2019, January/February and June 2020)
  A week or more's worth of walks around Cleveland, led by Countryside Rangers, Loftus ACCORD Walking Group, Tees Valley Wildlife Trust, Cleveland Ironstone Mining Museum, River Tees Rediscovered and others.

• WalkFest (May 2020 tbc)
  Join us over the Spring Bank Holiday weekend for the return of our exciting walking festival! Come and join us and enjoy a great programme of over 10 guided themed walks in some very special places.

• Rosedale Walking Festival (June 2020 tbc)
  Usually includes a range of themed walks over the weekend, such as a Tea Shop Walk, Pilgrims Way, a ‘Little Boots’ walk aimed at children, and historical and wildlife walks.

A little further afield, the Yorkshire Wolds Walking & Outdoors Festival is held over nine days every September, offering a mix of walking, cycling and riding tasters. 

The Ramblers annual Festival of Winter Walks, held over the Christmas and New Year period, usually includes some walks in the North York Moors area. Check out their events calendar for the most up-to-date information.

Challenge events and charity walks

Pull on your walking boots (or running shoes) and take on a challenge with one of the many annual fundraising events organised by the local Long Distance Walkers Association groups, the two Mountain Rescue teams for the North York Moors area, local Boys' Brigade and Scouts groups, and other charities. Check their websites for specific dates.

• Back 'A Ayton in January (17 miles)
• Cleveland Survival in March (26ml or 12ml orienteering course to be completed within 12hrs)
• Follow the Seagulls charity walk in April for brainstrust (50 miles over two days)
• The Rotary Crown Tavern Charity Walk - join the 41st “Ruby Red” walk in April (8 or 22 miles)
• Whale Bones in May (22 miles)
• There's Plenty of Ups & Downs in June (18 miles)
• Cleveland Hike in June - a two day challenge hike for teams of 3+; as well as route finding each team faces a series of tasks ranging from general knowledge questions to Army assault courses and water obstacles. One day options now available too.
• Smugglers Trod in August (17 or 25 miles in 10hrs)
• The Castle to Abbey Coastal Challenge in September (24 miles) - new for 2019, celebrating the 50th anniversary of the Cleveland Way
• Kilburn Kanter in November (24 miles in 10hrs)

Find specific running and fell running events here.