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Festivals and events

Guided Walk, Wainstones, North York Moors Credit Ebor ImagesNYMNPAGuided Walk, Wainstones, North York Moors Credit Ebor ImagesNYMNPA

Walking festivals

Why not sign up to a walk at one of these annual walking festivals, 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.

  • WalkFest (May 2023)
    Join us over a Spring weekend for the return of our exciting walking festival! Join us to enjoy a great programme of guided themed walks in some very special places.
  • Rosedale Walking Festival (June) - currently postponed
    Explore this beautiful part of the North York Moors with local guides sharing their passion. Usually includes a range of themed walks over the weekend. Discover hidden Andy Goldsworthy sculptures, explore the dale's wildlife, and a chance to explore Rosedale's industrial past from the old ironstone railway to illicit glassmaking.

Loftus Parish is also a member of the  'Walkers are Welcome' committed to making visits from walkers as enjoyable as possible.

A little further afield, the Walking East Yorkshire 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)
  • Castle to Abbey Coastal Challenge various dates from April until September (24 miles) - launched to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Cleveland Way in 2019, this popular walk now runs every year
  • The Crown Tavern Charity Walk - in April (8 or 22 miles)
  • Whale Bones in May (22 miles)
  • Smugglers Trod in August (17 or 25 miles in 10hrs)
  • The Cleveland Hike in September - 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.
  • Follow the Seagulls charity walk in September for brainstrust (50 miles over two days)
  • Kilburn Kanter in November (24 miles in 10hrs)

Find specific running and fell running events here.