Top 10 Health And Wellbeing Experiences On The Yorkshire Coast To Kick Start 2024

The organisation behind Yorkshire’s ultimate road trip, ‘Route YC’, has revealed its top 10 health and wellbeing experiences to kick start 2024 on the Yorkshire Coast. During the winter months we need to make sure we take time to look after our health and wellbeing by getting outdoors in the countryside and coast. Pack a bag and escape to 'Route YC' – Yorkshire’s ultimate road trip, try out one of these 10 wellbeing activities and treat yourself to a spot of self-care - Route YC style.

For more information about health and wellbeing activities on Yorkshire's ultimate road trip 'Route YC' in 2024, head over to www.routeyc.co.uk. People can also follow Route YC on social media, including Facebook www.facebook.com/RouteYC and Instagram www.instagram.com/routeyc

1. Whitby Wellbeing

Get in touch with your inner spirituality with ceremonies and rituals, morning or evening meditation or beach yoga at Whitby Wellbeing. Why not try something different like a breathwork workshop by a waterfall or a sauna in the wild. These are just a few of the experiences on offer by Whitby Wellbeing, which was founded by Daniel O’Conner. Check out their timetable of activities to see what’s planned, every activity is specifically designed to help you destress and reconnect with nature. Locations include Saltburn-by-the-Sea, Scarborough, Whitby and Robin Hood’s Bay.

2. Scarborough Surf School

Get those endorphins soaring with a bracing lesson at Scarborough Surf School. Their fully qualified instructors operate from their stunning beach top location at Cayton Bay just South of Scarborough seven days a week, all year round. Cayton Bay is unique in that it can be surfed whether the tide is in or out, meaning you should always be able to get in the water. If you don’t want to surf they also offer paddleboarding and coasteering at the beautiful Thornwick Bay nearby. The beginner lesson includes the hire of a 5mm full length wetsuit and a surfboard. Facilities include Parking, Changing rooms, Free Hot showers, a picnic area and hot drinks, so this is Scarborough’s number one-rated Surf School, and the place to hit the surf on the Yorkshire Coast.

3. Borrowby Equestrian Centre

Saddle up and see the world from a different perspective by booking a horse-based riding activity at Borrowby Equestrian Centre. There are horseback adventures to be had for all ages and abilities. So whether you have never been on a horse before or if you are a more experienced rider, this is the place to come to enjoy a spot of equine therapy. Experienced instructor Karen Yeoman offers individual lessons, or group lessons, and longer treks across the idyllic Yorkshire Moors. They even run organised pub rides for over 18’s where you can stop off for a drink along the way, a great way to join the horsey set.

4. Dalby Forest E-Xplorer trail

Dalby Forest E-Xplorer trail is a newly launched 17km e-bike cycling trail, designed to make the most of the stunning views on offer at Dalby Forest. The newly launched the trails are looked after by Forestry England. The rolling hills and treelined tracks can be quite demanding on the thigh muscles when you are on two wheels. But these new Forest E-Xplorer Trails open up a world of possibilities for all, having been specially designed for use by electric bikes. This green route boasts gentle gradients meaning cyclists of all ages and skill levels can join in on the fun. You can immerse yourself in the natural beauty of the forest without facing the daunting challenges of steep hills. E-bikes allow you to travel further with less effort. Don’t have an e-bike? That’s no problem, you canhire them here.

5. Beach Yoga at Raithwaite Sandsend

Be zen with a spot of beach Yoga at Raithwaite Sandsend. Get connected with nature while enjoying all of yoga’s physical and mental benefits. Take a breath of fresh sea air with the rugged Sandsend cliffs as your backdrop, while the yoga instructor guides you through positions. Release the stress and tensions of everyday life, by focusing on mindfulness to restore your mental balance.

The slow movements targeted stretches and deep breathing promotes increased blood flow throughout your body, as well as burning calories and toning muscles. So get practising your dolphin, half-moon and downward dog poses which are especially good for tightening your stomach and strengthening your back when conducted on the sand. Private one-to-one classes, group sessions are available as well as regular weekend classes.

6. The King Charles III England Coast Path

The King Charles III England Coast Path is a new walking route that aims to cover the entire coast of England. If you are looking for a shorter stroll and a spot of reflection to find some inner calm, how about an amble around Ravenscar? Start at Ravenscar Visitor Centre and pause to pick up historical information about the area before sitting outside on a bench. Before you begin, try a mindfulness activity. Before you enjoy the stunning views across Robin Hood’s Bay. When you’re ready, make your way past the Raven Hall Hotel on Station Road. Follow the footpath signposted Cleveland Way.

Feel the sea breeze brushing over your skin. Turn off Cleveland Way and head up to Station Square’s disused railway platform. You might like to stop for tea and cake at Ravenscar Tearooms. Continue along Station Road past Raven Hall Hotel and head down the track signposted Peak Fault, you’ll be able to smell the salty sea air. Distance: just over 3 miles/ 4.8km. A moderate walk including hills and uneven ground Duration: allow 2 1/2 hours including breaks. A moderate walk including hills and uneven ground

7. Adventures for the Soul

The historic fishing village of Robin Hood’s Bay, a town once famed for smuggling is the ideal place for an after dusk activity. In the winter months the skies are clear which means you can walking by the light of the full - or nearly - full moon. Gaze up to the heavens and see the stars, or out to sea and the moonlit waves. Feel the wonderful breeze on your cheeks, while you breathe in fresh air, and find out more about the night sky. Discover a little mindfulness to ‘fine tune’ your senses so prepare for an out-of-this-world time.

8. North Yorkshire Water Park

Make a splash and face your fears at one of the largest natural watersports lakes in Europe. Nestled in picturesque countryside, there is a wide range of activities on offer. There are three inflatable Aqua parks to tackle to suit a range of abilities. The fearless can tackle ‘Wipe-out’ and ‘Warrior’ courses while younger children aged 3 – 7 years old can attempt “Splash Kingdom” - a junior version.

Other wet activities are wakeboarding, kayaking, paddleboarding, wild swimming and sailing. Those that prefer dry land thrills can whizz down a breath-taking 250m long zipline descent across the lakes from a 13-metre-high tower, to land in a bed of bark chips or you can try a mental workout to puzzle your way out of escape rooms. There is even an onsite café to refuel afterwards.

9. Forest Bathing

Be at one with nature with a spot of Forest bathing. Turn off your hi-tech devices and enjoy a forest-based experience which doesn’t cost the earth. Naturally boost your health and well-being, by getting outdoors. Relax and slow down to enjoy a spot of quiet amongst the trees. Simply take your time, breathe deeply and take in your surroundings under the forest canopy. Use all of your senses to look at nature’s small details, just two hours can provide you with the ideal forest bathing experience. Wander around the woods on a circular walk around Broxa which will take you into the heart of Langdale Forest which has a mix of conifers and semi-natural woodland. As this is a totally free activity so you can afford to book yourself in for lunch at The Grainary in Harwood Dale.

10. Scale the heights at Chimney Bank

Simply taking in the view from the top of Chimney Bank is enough to take your breath away, but cycling up the steepest public road in England is a whole other level. Either sit back and watch as determined pedallers give it a go, or get on your bike and see how fast your time compares with Chris Boardman';s impressive 5 minutes and 23 seconds. It is also known locally as The Chain Breaker with an average gradient of 13%, the road climbs 568 feet (173 m) so it is easy to understand why. A good workout to get the wheels turning and your lungs and calf muscles pumping.