Located in one the prettiest market towns in North Yorkshire, this cosy purpose-built property provides a perfect base to explore this unique region overflowing with history, heritage and unrivalled scenery.

Whether you want the stunning scenery and history of the North York Moors, the attractions of the seaside or the cultural delights of the city of York, then Helmsley is the ideal base. Around the market square is an eclectic mix of cafes, bookshops, galleries and delicatessens providing the best Yorkshire has to offer. Rievaulx Abbey and Castle Howard are both on the doorstep, whilst the cultural delights of York, Fountains Abbey and the seaside resorts of Whitby and Scarborough are all within easy reach. The Cleveland Way begins from Helmsley in the shadow of the imposing 12th Century castle ruins, and mountain bike routes abound on the surrounding heather-covered moorlands and at nearby Sutton Bank and Dalby Forest.

On Friday evening we will have an optional meal at The Feathers in town and afterwards we can sample more of Helmsley’s nightlife.

We will have a full cooked breakfast on the Saturday morning (breakfasts included in price) with a continental breakfast on Sunday. Also included is dinner in the hostel on the Saturday evening.

Help with cooking and the cleaning up is as always very much welcomed & expected.

Walks: Roger will be leading optional walks for us on both Saturday and Sunday.

Please ensure you have adequate refreshments, and appropriate clothing & footwear.

Saturday: RIEVAULX ABBEY

Along the Cleveland Way to the glorious ruins

Grade: 3/4; Distance: 7 miles

We walk from the YHA first passing the Helmsley’s medieval castle and then follow the Cleveland Way to Rievaulx Abbey. Both these monuments are English Heritage sites and date back to the 12th Century. The walk takes us along a well-trodden paths following in the footsteps of medieval monks, going through woods, across meadows and along quite country roads. After stopping at the Abbey we have an optional loop along the river to give us fine views of the magnificent building.

Sunday: THE WHITE HORSE

Along the Cleveland Way to the chalk figure

Grade: 4; Distance: 4 miles

After a short drive to the car park (pay & display) at Sutton Bank we start about 11am. From the information centre we walk along the Cleveland way on the edge on a plateau (home to Yorkshire Gliding Club). After a short while we reach the 100m long figure of a horse (which you may have noticed when you arrived on Friday), it is only 150 years old & is regularly whitewashed to keep it visible from afar. We can either return the same way or make a round trip through the woods.

Please be advised that you are likely to be asked to take a lateral flow test before you attend the weekend, and provide evidence of a negative result - please book only if you are happy to do this.

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