Alston New Year Walking and Social Break 2023/2024

What about a fantastic THREE NIGHT all inclusive NEW YEAR walking and social long weekend in East Cumbria based at the lovely town of Alston jointly the "highest market town in England". That means potentially FOUR full walking days if you want to use them all.

We plan an 10:30am meet on the Friday for those that can get away to do Cross Fell which is easily accessed from Penrith or Scotch Corner and nicely breaks the journey to Alston. It is the highest point in the Pennines range and only Top10 English peak outside of the Lake District. Once back at our cars will leave us about a 45 min journey to our destination for the weekend.

If not coming on the Friday walk general arrival is from 6pm at YHA Alston on what will be the start of our celebratory weekend so maybe worthwhile bringing plenty of the necessary although there are shops where you can top up if needed.

We don't plan to cater on the Friday night as suspect people will arrive at a wide variety of times so eat on the way, plan to eat out at one of the excellent pubs in Alston or if early enough collect from the local chippy and eat at the hostel.

Saturday and Sunday expect a choice of walks to suit the toughies and those who want to take it a bit more leisurely and there is loads to choose in this meeting point of both Coast to Coast route and Pennine Way, South Tyne Trail, Isaac's Tea Trail and many others in contention. It's lovely.

Sunday night is New Years Eve so we will definitely be staying up late and if weather conditions are favourable having a lively midnight walk to ring in the New Year in style.

Yes, it's the middle of winter and there may be snow in higher places but we will adjust the program to suit conditions and hopefully have something for everyone whatever your walking ability.

All food is provided from Saturday breakfast to lunch packups for Monday but we have no staff as such so help is needed with preparation and clearing up on a voluntary basis. We do cater for most dietary requirements and preferences but please ask if unsure. All main meals are included but we don't normally provide biscuits, cakes or desserts so if you want to bring some of these to share that would be lovely.

YHA Alston has always been one of our favourite spots. It's a great venue in a great location with an excellent choice of nearby pubs. What more can you want.

Yes, we do stay up late, play board games and card games and may even have a bit of music and dancing if that's what people want so if you are a sensitive sleeper ear plugs are a good idea especially over New Year.

The cost at this point for three nights multi-bedded single sex accommodation, two evening meals, three continental plus breakfasts and three packed lunches and of course potentially 4 full days of brilliant walking is now just £119 all inclusive.

If you have to cancel more than 28 clear days before the event start date you will get a full refund less 15% cancellation fee. If you cancel with less than 28 but more than 14 clear days notice the cancellation fee increases to 50%. No refunds will be provided to those cancelling with less than 14 clear days notice. ("clear" means does not include event start date or cancellation date!

Gordon and team have now organised more than 100 similar weekends away with great feedback from the thousands of people that have taken part. You won't be disappointed! All these events get advertised to several Meetup groups so numbers shown may not reflect total numbers booked. Events can fill rapidly so early booking is recommended. As we keep our not for profit price at an absolute minimum we have no paid staff and participants are expected to contribute an hour or so over the weekend to help with food prep and clearing up which become a shared responsibility. All food and hot drinks are provided throughout the weekend including for those with special dietary requirements as long as notified beforehand.

Please address any questions about the weekend to gordon@peakmeetupgroup.com or via Meetup