Where is Sutton Bank?

The evening's adventure is centred around the south-western edge of the North York Moors National Park. We start at Sutton Bank, traverse part of the Cleveland Way before descending down to Gormire Lake.  From there we'll pick a route back up to the top of the escarpment where the skies are simply huge and excellent for stargazing. Sutton Bank is accessible by car from across Yorkshire and the UK. Thirsk is the nearest town on the mainline railway network between Edinburgh and London.

This fascinating area is steeped in both geological and man-made history, which you will learn more about on this experience.

If travelling from afar, you could extend your stay so you can really reap the benefits of this super-chilled area. Take a look at Go Stargazing's Stay and Gaze or Discover Yorkshire Coast (covers all the North York Moors).

About the Evening

From the edge of this ancient land, the vistas are simply breathtaking. On a clear day you can watch the sun set behind the Yorkshire Dales in the distance. Below are expansive, flat plains that go on as far as the eye can see.

It's the most perfect place to watch day turn to night. Walk by the light of the moon. Or gaze in wonder at a sparkling, star-filled sky when it's very dark.But first you'll descend down a long, steep hill to a natural wonder.

Cradled by ancient woodlands, you'll find Gormire Lake at the bottom of the steep escarpment. Formed over 20,000 years ago, there is a profound depth of stillness here that is worth the scramble down. On clear, dark nights you'll see constellations, planets and maybe the Milky Way reflected on the surface of its deep waters.

Afterwards, you'll slowly scramble back up the long hill to the top, where you'll be rewarded with huge star-filled skies. When clear you'll see so many stars it will take your breath away. It truly is simply stunning.

Woven into the evening will be a sensory exploration led by Alison - a mindfulness instructor.  Here, you'll discover how to reconnect to this big wide-world and dark sky above you in a completely different way. It will also magically bring you back to THIS precious moment, making your feel AMAZING.

You’ll stop every now and again to gaze in wonder at the celestial heavens above. Guided by Fabian - our specialist mountain leader and dark skies enthusiast - you’ll learn more about our own planet, universe and deep time. It’s utterly fascinating…

Of course we cannot guarantee the weather, but even if it's cloudy, scientists have now proved embracing the dark is good for the soul. Walking at night is an incredible experience that is invigorating, immersive and is a surprising mood-booster. What's not to like?!