THE IDEA
What started out as an idea to jot down walks around the village that we can recommend to both our cottage guests and also restaurant diners, developed into something much more magical. One day back in January, we had ambled out as a family for a little fresh air, and ended up having to divide into two teams – Wilfred (who is 4) wanted to go further, and we couldn’t get Ralph (18 months) along the route in the pushchair, so I got some gorgeous one on one time with my eldest. We suddenly had the privilege of time and space to ourselves, and if you’ve never explored the world through the eyes of a 4 year old then give it a go sometime! We fought fires with sticks, marvelled at the size of the trees, saw a deer leaping through the fields and traced the babbling brook through the fields and under the bridges. Anyway, I am rambling now about our rambles…
We came home, smelling of the cool freshness of the moorland air, rosy cheeks, devoured our sandwiches and told Pete and Ralph of our adventures… and it got me thinking, we all need more of this. So I nervously pitched the idea on social media “would anyone like to join me for a walk and then a shared lunch in the restaurant?” and people came!! They came and it was glorious. It was cold and windy, but 14 of us wrapped up and strode out on a gentle loop of the village, where conversations flowed, friendships were made, and even business connections emerged.
It was such a joy to bring people together, I am hoping to do this once a month.
As we go, I’ll be tracking the routes we take and sharing them on here and hopefully create a catalogue of loop walks starting and finishing here at the Homestead.
THE WALKS
Every month, we host a social walk with lunch. Meeting at the restaurant at 10am, we have tea and coffees and get to introduce ourselves to each other, setting out around 10.30am we go walking for approximately 2 hours. Each route will be different, but due to the nature of the moors most walks will include some hills, steps, and uneven ground. If you are keen to join a walk, but are unsure if this length would be suitable, please do let me know and if there is sufficient interest, I will also plan a shorter one hour flat (ish) walk.
After working up an appetite, we return to the restaurant where we share lunch on one long table. Lunch is 2 courses and includes either a house wine or soft drink.
To see our planned social walks, please visit our Events page for details and booking.
If you are unable to join us, or want to plan your own visit, I will be adding our routes to our Komoot account, which is an app you can download on to your phone, and follow us, just search for “The Homestead Goathland”
My hope for these walks is to encourage connections, so whether you have a friend or partner or want to come alone, we welcome everyone!
You can view our suggested walks here:
Disclaimer:
Please note we take no responsibility should you choose to follow these routes. They are suggestions, but you must take care to plan your trip, familiarise yourself with the area, be prepared for bad weather etc. Always make sure you have a fully charged phone (check signal before setting off) and let someone know where you are going. The moors by nature bring various challenges such as hills, steps, uneven ground, so please do take care.