Day 1 – Friday: Getting There

May 2nd, 2025 marked the beginning of our seventh walking weekend away—and the first of three trips planned for the year. This time, our destination was the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds. Our ever-organised leader, Mark Archer, had arranged for us to take over the entire Wold Escapes holiday accommodation near Driffield.

Unfortunately, due to an injury from a previous walk, Mark couldn’t lead this weekend’s hikes. But true to form, he had already handed off detailed plans and directions to Ellie and Steve, ensuring the walks could go ahead smoothly. With leadership duties delegated, Mark was free to relax while the rest of us tackled the trails.

The first walk kicked off on Friday afternoon with a gentle loop starting at Sledmere House. Not everyone could make it in time, but those who did enjoyed a scenic stroll through the grounds—a perfect warm-up for the days ahead.

Later, everyone regrouped at the accommodation. Some headed out to a local pub for classic pub grub, while others opted for a more casual “Jacob’s Join” (a shared meal) at the cottages. The evening continued in the lounge, where Mark briefed us on the next day’s itinerary, followed by his signature quiz, featuring questions about the local area. A bit of fun, a bit of trivia, and then off to bed to rest up for the adventure ahead.

Day 1 – Friday: Getting There

May 2nd, 2025 marked the beginning of our seventh walking weekend away—and the first of three trips planned for the year. This time, our destination was the beautiful Yorkshire Wolds. Our ever-organised leader, Mark Archer, had arranged for us to take over the entire Wold Escapes holiday accommodation near Driffield.

Unfortunately, due to an injury from a previous walk, Mark couldn’t lead this weekend’s hikes. But true to form, he had already handed off detailed plans and directions to Ellie and Steve, ensuring the walks could go ahead smoothly. With leadership duties delegated, Mark was free to relax while the rest of us tackled the trails.

The first walk kicked off on Friday afternoon with a gentle loop starting at Sledmere House. Not everyone could make it in time, but those who did enjoyed a scenic stroll through the grounds—a perfect warm-up for the days ahead.

Later, everyone regrouped at the accommodation. Some headed out to a local pub for classic pub grub, while others opted for a more casual “Jacob’s Join” (a shared meal) at the cottages. The evening continued in the lounge, where Mark briefed us on the next day’s itinerary, followed by his signature quiz, featuring questions about the local area. A bit of fun, a bit of trivia, and then off to bed to rest up for the adventure ahead.

Day 2 – Saturday: Flamborough Head

Saturday morning brought blue skies, sunshine—and a biting wind. After breakfast, we drove 40 minutes to Flamborough Head, laced up our boots, braced against the chill, and set off past the lighthouse to the cliffs.

Our first wildlife sighting came quickly: seals basking on the beach below and playing in the surf. After taking it all in, we followed the coastal path toward South Landing, taking in dramatic cliffs and rock formations along the way.

Mark, still nursing his ankle, stayed behind for a relaxing crossword and a hearty breakfast at the local café.

We stopped at South Landing for a coffee break, then continued through Flamborough village toward Thornwick Bay, passing briefly through the Thornwick Bay Holiday Village. We found a great lunch spot overlooking the sea, surrounded by towering cliffs and stunning views.

After lunch, we pushed on to North Landing and followed the coast path back to Flamborough Head, passing Queen Rock and Selwick Bay before reuniting with Mark.

Back at the cottages, some of us returned to the pub for dinner (though they were served very late), while the rest finished off the Jacob’s Join leftovers and turned in early for some well-earned rest.

Day 3 – Sunday: Wharram Percy

Sunday’s walk took us inland, swapping sea breezes for rolling hills and medieval history. After breakfast, we drove 13 miles to the Wharram Percy English Heritage car park. Mark stayed behind to enjoy the hot tub—a well-deserved treat.

We set out across fields glowing with yellow oilseed rape, soon arriving at the ruins of Wharram Percy, one of the best-preserved deserted medieval villages in Britain. We explored the church ruins, both to soak up the atmosphere and shelter from a passing rain shower.

The route continued through peaceful countryside. Gunfire from a nearby clay pigeon shooting club briefly broke the calm, but we moved on quickly, eventually stopping for coffee in a quiet field off the trail.

We reached the village of Thixendale for lunch and a visit to the charming local church, then continued over hills and through valleys back to our starting point.

Back at the cottages, dinner was a massive takeaway order—fish, chips, and whatever else people fancied. Mark hosted another quiz, followed by a hilarious group game. Despite being sidelined from walking, he kept spirits high all weekend.

The night ended with some chatting and laughter, others heading off for a final good night’s sleep.

Day 3 – Sunday: Wharram Percy

Sunday’s walk took us inland, swapping sea breezes for rolling hills and medieval history. After breakfast, we drove 13 miles to the Wharram Percy English Heritage car park. Mark stayed behind to enjoy the hot tub—a well-deserved treat.

We set out across fields glowing with yellow oilseed rape, soon arriving at the ruins of Wharram Percy, one of the best-preserved deserted medieval villages in Britain. We explored the church ruins, both to soak up the atmosphere and shelter from a passing rain shower.

The route continued through peaceful countryside. Gunfire from a nearby clay pigeon shooting club briefly broke the calm, but we moved on quickly, eventually stopping for coffee in a quiet field off the trail.

We reached the village of Thixendale for lunch and a visit to the charming local church, then continued over hills and through valleys back to our starting point.

Back at the cottages, dinner was a massive takeaway order—fish, chips, and whatever else people fancied. Mark hosted another quiz, followed by a hilarious group game. Despite being sidelined from walking, he kept spirits high all weekend.

The night ended with some chatting and laughter, others heading off for a final good night’s sleep.

Day 4 – Monday: Heading Home

Monday morning brought a final breakfast together before people began to head home. Some left early, while others stayed to explore locally or visit the nearby Bempton Cliffs RSPB reserve.

Those who went to Bempton Cliffs enjoyed windswept cliff walks among gannets and puffins—though most of the puffins were tucked away in their cliffside burrows. A hot brew at the visitor centre rounded off the visit before heading home.

So ended another memorable walking weekend—great walks, great company, and plenty of laughs. We’re already looking forward to the next one.

You can see all the photos from the weekend in the gallery here