The Adventure
Your journey begins at dusk in the peaceful village of Conistone. As twilight deepens, you’ll set off through a classic limestone gorge before emerging onto open access land above the valley. The walk continues across Rigg Moor — a wide, atmospheric stretch of upland that holds the distinction of being the spot furthest from a road in England.
Moving anticlockwise across the moor, you’ll traverse sections of limestone pavement and wild upland tracks, pausing often to soak in the quiet and, if skies are clear, gaze upward into one of the UK’s official Dark Sky Reserves. The sense of remoteness intensifies after dark, making for an experience that feels both adventurous and strangely calming. Along the way, your guide will introduce optional elements of night navigation — an invaluable skill for those keen to expand their hillwalking confidence.
The route concludes back at Conistone Bridge around 10pm, leaving you with a deep appreciation for the fells at night and memories of an adventure far removed from the ordinary.
Who Is It For?
This adventure is ideal for anyone curious about exploring the outdoors in a new way. If you’ve ever wanted to experience the magic of the hills at night — when starry skies and quiet moors replace the usual busy daytime trails — this is for you. You don’t need prior night hiking experience, just a sense of adventure, a spirit of curiosity, and a decent level of fitness to be out walking for a few hours with a pack.
Trip Itinerary
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After introductions and a brief kit check, your guide will outline the route ahead.
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Begin by climbing through a limestone gorge before heading out onto open access moorland. Continue towards Rigg Moor, crossing rugged ground and limestone pavement under torchlight.
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Regular pauses to look up at the night sky in this official Dark Sky Reserve, with the chance to practice basic night navigation skills guided by your leader.
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Rounding off an unforgettable night in the hills.
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The trip starts and finishes at Conistone Bridge (Grid Ref: SD 97896 67502) in the heart of the Yorkshire Dales National Park. This location is straightforward to reach by car or public transport.
By train: The nearest mainline station is Skipton, with direct services from Leeds, Bradford, and beyond. From Skipton, local buses run to Grassington, which is a short taxi ride from Conistone.
By car: Conistone is around 40 minutes from the A1(M) at Junction 47 via Harrogate, or 25 minutes from Skipton along the B6265. Parking is available in Conistone or nearby Grassington.
By air: The closest major airport is Leeds Bradford, about 1 hour’s drive. Manchester Airport is also within reach by car or train via Leeds and Skipton.
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Group size: Small groups of no more than 12, keeping things friendly and personal.
Guides: Experienced, trusted guides who know the Yorkshire Dales inside out, and have led many night hikes in this region.
Fitness: Expect around three hours of steady-paced hiking with frequent breaks. You don’t need elite fitness, but you should be comfortable walking 8–10km over uneven moorland terrain, uphill and downhill, while carrying your kit.
Flexibility: The exact route may vary depending on weather conditions and group ability, with safety always the highest priority.
Why Book with the GBAC?
Adventure, Authentically Delivered
Every journey with GBAC is led by passionate outdoor leaders who design their own adventures—trips as unique and inspiring as the guides themselves. Expect one-of-a-kind experiences that dive deeper, excite the senses, and promise memories no ordinary itinerary can match.
The UK’s Most Trusted Guide Network
Join the adventure community built by outdoor lovers, for outdoor lovers. With one of the largest guide networks in the UK, there’s always support, if a guide is unwell, your trip goes ahead with someone just as qualified and enthusiastic.
Create Unforgettable Memories
Our trips are crafted to leave a lasting mark—whether it’s summiting a new peak, discovering hidden wild places, or simply sharing laughter around the campfire. With GBAC, every adventure becomes a story worth telling, and the moments you share become lifelong memories.
Safety and Peace of Mind
Our guides are handpicked, fully insured, and qualified. Every one of them holds an enhanced DBS check and meets strict GBAC standards, so you can relax knowing your adventure is in safe, expert hands.
Feel-Good Booking, Fair Pay, Real Impact
GBAC guides and outdoor leaders are valued and fairly rewarded. We pay better by taking only a commission—helping expert guides earn more and focus on the experience, not just the job. Every adventure booked helps sustain a thriving, passionate community of outdoor leaders.
Small Groups, Big Adventures
Our trips aren’t crowded. Smaller groups mean a friendlier, more personal atmosphere—letting journeys unfold naturally, stories get shared, and every moment feel memorable.
Ready to create unforgettable memories in the wild? Choose GBAC—where every booking powers a more passionate outdoors, one unique journey at a time
Kit List
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Clothing & footwear
Walking boots (broken in — not fresh out of the box)
Walking poles with snow baskets (recommended, but optional)
5 pairs of socks (1 for walking, 1 spare)
Waterproof jacket & trousers
Gaiters (optional but useful)
Appropriate clothing for a day in the hills
Hat & gloves (even in summer)
Sunglasses & sunhat
Backpack & kit
20L+ backpack, suitable for hillwalking, with a waterproof cover
Sitting pad (optional, but keeps your bum dry)
1.5L of water
Food & drink
Sufficient food for an active evening (inlcude some snacks!)
Safety & essentials
Personal first aid kit (your guide will carry a kit, but bring your own for blisters & small scrapes)
Foil survival blanket (tiny and light)
Whistle
Head torch
Personal medication (your guide will ask you for any relevent medical information prior to your departure)
Miscellaneous
Mobile phone
Debit/credit card
A bit of cash (just in case)
Insect repellent
Don’t worry, your guide will email you the above in advance of your trip, including links to recommended products, so you can get set up as easily (and cheaply!) as possible.
About your Guide
Alex, Mountain Leader
Growing up in Yorkshire, Alex first discovered the fells during university camping trips, where long days on the hills and nights under canvas gave him a lifelong taste for adventure. That early spark has guided him ever since.
After more than two decades working as a teacher, Alex chose to swap the classroom for the open countryside and commit to his passion for the outdoors. As a Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Manager, he has spent years leading and inspiring people of all ages to find their own joy in wild places — from windswept ridges and hidden valleys to quiet moments around a campfire.
Now a qualified Mountain Leader, Alex is dedicated to sharing the freedom, challenge and restorative power of being outside. Whether it’s a tough climb, a steady walk, or simply pausing to soak up the view, his calm encouragement and depth of experience make every journey safe, rewarding, and memorable.
Got Questions?
Feel free to contact us with any and all questions. We always aim to reply within 24 hours.
