Lyke Wake Walk
A legendary 40-mile trek across the North York Moors, testing endurance and rewarding with wild beauty. A true test of grit and spirit.
Highlights
Must-see attractions
Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Best weather for the hike
Lyke Wake Walk
Best Time
Best weather for the hike
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A legendary 40-mile trek across the North York Moors, testing endurance and rewarding with wild beauty. A true test of grit and spirit.
"Kathy is the reason I got to complete my very first 40 mile challenge. Thank you so much for the best memories."
Train for the Distance
Don't underestimate the 40 miles! Train with long hikes to build endurance. :athletic_shoe:
Join an Organized Walk
Groups offer support, checkpoints, and navigation, making the challenge more manageable. :walking:
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
The North York Moors Landscape
Across the entire route
Experience the vast, wild beauty of the moors, from dramatic cliff lines to rolling heathland. A true test of endurance and a feast for the eyes.
Osmotherley to Ravenscar
Start and End Points
The classic 40-mile route, traversing the width of the national park. Each direction offers a unique perspective on this challenging trail.
Co-operative Spirit
Along the trail
Many walkers highlight the camaraderie and mutual support among participants, turning a solo challenge into a shared adventure.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Prepare for a 40-Mile Challenge
Weather and Navigation
+1Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
Train for the Distance
Don't underestimate the 40 miles! Train with long hikes to build endurance.
Join an Organized Walk
Groups offer support, checkpoints, and navigation, making the challenge more manageable. :walking:
Pack Smart Snacks
Sugary snacks and treats are crucial for energy. Carrot cake is a popular choice! :cookie:
Embrace the Challenge
It's tough, but the sense of accomplishment is immense. Enjoy the journey!
Tips
from all over the internet
Train for the Distance
Don't underestimate the 40 miles! Train with long hikes to build endurance.
Join an Organized Walk
Groups offer support, checkpoints, and navigation, making the challenge more manageable. :walking:
Pack Smart Snacks
Sugary snacks and treats are crucial for energy. Carrot cake is a popular choice! :cookie:
Embrace the Challenge
It's tough, but the sense of accomplishment is immense. Enjoy the journey!
Check Weather Forecast
Be prepared for changing conditions on the moors. Layers are essential.
What Travellers Say
Reviews Summary
The Lyke Wake Walk is a highly rewarding but incredibly challenging 40-mile trek across the North York Moors. Participants consistently praise the stunning scenery and the immense sense of accomplishment upon completion. The support and organization provided by guides like Kathy are frequently highlighted as instrumental to success, turning a grueling experience into a memorable adventure.
"A difficult walk that was broken down into bite sized chunks with some very well placed and very welcome check points set out by Den. Our guide, Kathy, was extremely knowledgeable and was excellent at keeping our group motivated, on track and entertained along the way. I honestly don’t believe I would have made it without her! I was fortunate to do the walk on such a good day with perfect weather conditions and a lovely group of walkers and we all got on brilliantly- Kathy was instrumental in getting us to gel as a team and we all helped each other along the way, despite most of us having never met until the day. Also I can recommend the sugary snacks provided in the day and the carrot cake which helped to keep us all going, although this may not always be part of the walking experience. Thank you Kathy for a great day, and I will more than likely be booking onto the walk in the opposite direction next year!!"
Cath Williamson
"On Saturday 22nd march I completed the LWW 40 mile hike in very challenging conditions, questioning myself if I’ll get through the day.
However, Kathy was amazing and so supportive, pushing us all to our limits and beyond…
The whole day was fully organised with transport and check points…I’ve never been so happy to see Kathy’s husband with the water, snacks and dry clothes.
Kathy is the reason I got to complete my very first 40 mile challenge. Thankyou so much for the best memories."
kellie anderson
"I did the Lyke Wake walk on Saturday 2nd August 7 of us and Kathy it was an amazing day the weather was perfect and Kathy was brilliant and welcoming right from my first question and I knew this was someone I could walk with I was late to the party so never got any training walks in but I will join in the future and will definitely be crossing again with Kathy and a group thank you so much xx I almost forgot about Den 🙈 he meets us at 3 points and is very much the gentleman chairs and bags out ready and waiting the most welcome sight xx"
Kelly Locker
What People Like
What People Dislike
Frequently Asked Questions
🚇 🗺️ Getting There
The classic Lyke Wake Walk route is 40 miles long, typically starting in Osmotherley and finishing in Ravenscar. Some organized events may offer transport to and from these points.
Osmotherley is a village in North Yorkshire. It can be reached by car, and local bus services may be available, though less frequent. Planning your transport in advance is recommended.
Parking availability can vary. Osmotherley has some parking, and Ravenscar may have limited options. If participating in an organized walk, check with the organizers about transport and parking arrangements.
Yes, the Lyke Wake Walk can be completed in either direction, East to West (Osmotherley to Ravenscar) or West to East. The experience and views will differ.
Public transport directly along the entire Lyke Wake Walk route is very limited due to its remote moorland location. Relying on organized transport or private arrangements is usually necessary.
🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry
The Lyke Wake Walk itself is a public footpath and doesn't require tickets for individual access. However, if you join an organized event, there will be a fee to cover support services.
While there isn't one single 'official' club, many outdoor groups and event organizers run Lyke Wake Walk challenges. Searching for 'Lyke Wake Walk challenge' will reveal these options.
Costs for organized walks vary but generally cover support, checkpoints, and sometimes transport. Expect prices to range from £50 to £150 or more, depending on the services provided.
Yes, it's possible to do the Lyke Wake Walk unsupported, but it requires excellent navigation skills, self-sufficiency, and thorough preparation for all conditions.
No specific permits are required to walk the Lyke Wake Walk as it traverses public land within the North York Moors National Park. However, always respect the countryside code.
🎫 🧭 Onsite Experience
The Lyke Wake Walk is approximately 40 miles. Most participants take between 10 to 16 hours to complete it, depending on fitness, pace, and conditions.
The terrain varies significantly, including well-trodden paths, open moorland, heathland, and some boggy sections. The first part can be more dramatic with cliff lines.
Navigation can be challenging, especially on the exposed moorland where paths can be indistinct. A map, compass, and GPS device are highly recommended, particularly in poor visibility.
The weather on the North York Moors is notoriously changeable. You can experience sunshine, wind, rain, and fog, sometimes all in one day. Be prepared for all conditions.
Organized events typically have well-placed checkpoints offering water, snacks, and sometimes basic first aid. If walking unsupported, you'll need to carry all your own supplies.
🍽️ 🍎 Food & Dining
During organized walks, checkpoints often provide sugary snacks, water, and sometimes hot drinks. Some participants rave about the carrot cake provided!
There are very few, if any, places to buy food directly along the 40-mile Lyke Wake Walk route. You must carry all your food and drink with you or rely on organized support.
High-energy, easily digestible snacks are best. Think energy bars, gels, nuts, dried fruit, and plenty of water. Sweet treats like biscuits and cake are also popular for morale.
Osmotherley and Ravenscar are small villages. Osmotherley has a few pubs and cafes. Ravenscar has limited options. It's best to plan meals before or after your walk.
Carry plenty of water. Electrolyte drinks can also be beneficial for longer hikes. Checkpoints on organized walks will provide water refills.
📸 📸 Photography
The dramatic cliff lines, expansive moorland vistas, sunrises, and sunsets offer stunning photographic opportunities. Capture the wild beauty of the North York Moors.
It can be challenging to stop and take photos while focused on navigating and covering distance. Plan brief stops at scenic points to capture the views.
A lightweight, durable camera or a good smartphone is ideal. Consider a portable charger or power bank for your devices, as you'll be out for many hours.
Look out for elevated points along the route, especially near the start and end, and any prominent ridges that offer panoramic views of the moors.
Early morning for sunrise and late afternoon for golden hour light can provide beautiful, dramatic lighting for landscape photography.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
However, if you are an experienced hiking family and looking for a significant challenge, consider breaking the walk down into smaller, manageable sections over multiple days. Some families might tackle portions of the Cleveland Way or other trails within the North York Moors National Park that are more accessible for younger hikers. Always prioritize safety and ensure any chosen route is appropriate for the age and ability of your children.
💰 Budget Travelers
If you opt for an organized event, costs can vary. Look for events that offer essential support without too many frills to keep prices down. Research different organizers and compare their offerings and prices. Remember to factor in potential travel costs to and from the start/end points.
🏃♀️ Trail Runners
+1For runners, lightweight gear, efficient nutrition, and strong pacing are crucial. Practicing running with a pack and focusing on minimizing stops will be key to achieving a good time. Be aware that some sections may require you to slow down and navigate carefully, especially in boggy or unclear areas.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The History and Legacy of the Lyke Wake Walk
Over the decades, the Lyke Wake Walk has become a legendary challenge for hikers and runners. It's known for its rugged terrain, unpredictable weather, and the mental fortitude required to complete it. Many people undertake the walk for charity, raising significant funds for various causes. The 'type two fun' description, coined by participants, perfectly captures the experience: difficult and grueling in the moment, but incredibly rewarding and memorable in retrospect.
While there isn't one single governing body, the spirit of the Lyke Wake Walk is kept alive by numerous outdoor groups and individuals who organize events or undertake the challenge independently. These events often provide crucial support, including checkpoints, navigation assistance, and transport, making the walk more accessible to a wider range of participants. The walk continues to be a bucket-list achievement for many outdoor enthusiasts.
Navigating the North York Moors
For those undertaking the walk unsupported, a good quality map (such as an Ordnance Survey map), a compass, and a GPS device or app are essential. It's crucial to be proficient in map reading and compass use, as relying solely on GPS can be risky if batteries fail. Many participants recommend practicing navigation skills before attempting the walk.
Organized Lyke Wake Walk events significantly ease the navigation burden. Guides and marshals are present to keep the group on track, and checkpoints are clearly marked. This support is invaluable, particularly for first-time walkers or those less confident in their navigation abilities. Even with guides, staying aware of your surroundings and the general direction of travel is always advisable.
The Importance of Support and Checkpoints
Participants frequently praise the presence of these checkpoints, noting how seeing a familiar face or a well-stocked table can provide a huge morale boost during difficult moments. Items like sugary snacks and even homemade treats like carrot cake are often highlighted as crucial for maintaining energy levels and spirits. Some events also offer dry clothes and basic first aid, which can be a lifesaver in challenging conditions.
The role of guides and support crews, like Kathy and her husband mentioned in reviews, is paramount. They not only ensure the group stays on course but also foster a sense of camaraderie and mutual support. This collective effort transforms a potentially solitary and grueling experience into a shared adventure, with walkers encouraging each other to reach the finish line.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit