Not Long Now!!

15 km | 66 m ascent | ~4 hrs | Grade 2 – Moderate

Meeting Time: 10.00am 

Walk Start Time: 10.15pm

We’ll begin our New Year adventure exploring the vast landscape of Thetford Forest, one of Britain’s largest lowland forests.  

Our route will take us along woodland trails through this distinctive landscape, including the area surrounding Grime’s Graves, an extraordinary prehistoric flint-mining site dating back thousands of years.  

With peaceful forest paths and plenty of winter woodland scenery, this is a great first walk before heading to our accommodation to settle in and get ready for New Year’s Eve.

We have two lovely lodges for our stay, one of which has a hot tub available for everyone to enjoy! This lodge will also be our main gathering place for New Year’s Eve.

After our first day's walk, we’ll settle into the lodges for a relaxed and informal evening with vegetarian picky bits, games, chatting and plenty of good company as we welcome 2027 together.

This isn’t a big drinking or party weekend – it’s all about enjoying the outdoors, unwinding and celebrating the New Year with a lovely group of like-minded women. There’s no pressure to stay up until midnight or join in with everything.

16.5 km | 57 m ascent | ~5 hrs | Grade 2 – Moderate

We’ll start 2027 on the beautiful North Norfolk coast with our longest walk of the trip.  

Exploring the coastline around Hunstanton and Holme-next-the-Sea, we’ll experience wide beaches, dunes, coastal paths and the beautiful landscape of Holme Dunes Nature Reserve.  Winter is a fantastic time to experience this part of Norfolk, with huge skies, atmospheric coastal scenery and abundant birdlife. 

The terrain is generally relatively level, but the distance, winter conditions and sections of sand and coastal terrain make this a rewarding full day out.  Afterwards, we’ll return to our lodges with plenty of time to relax and enjoy the evening together and a meal out somewhere local.

14 km | 127 m ascent | ~4 hrs | Grade 2 – Moderate

Our final walk takes us into the countryside surrounding the Sandringham Estate, exploring woodland, rural paths and nearby nature reserves.  

This varied circular offers a gentler landscape for our final day while still providing a rewarding winter walk and a lovely way to round off our New Year adventure. 

After the walk, we’ll say our goodbyes and head home after three days of exploring Norfolk together.

Estimated finish time 2pm

Hay’s Wood Retreat 

We’ll have exclusive use of three comfortable lodges at Hay’s Wood Retreat in North Runcton, giving us our own relaxed base for the whole trip.  

Accommodation is a mixture of solo rooms and shared rooms with single beds

The lodges have comfortable communal areas and self-catering facilities, giving us plenty of space to relax together after our walks.  

And there’s an extra treat – one of the lodges has a hot tub, which will be available for everyone in the group to enjoy throughout our stay.  It’s a comfortable and sociable setup, perfect for relaxing after a winter’s day outdoors and celebrating New Year together.

• Shared rooms (twins) and Double rooms (Single Occupancy) (As per your booking)
• Well-equipped kitchen including oven, microwave, kitchenware, tea and coffee making facilities 
• Dining & lounge area 
• Outside area
• Bedding & Towels included
• Free Parking
• A Private Hot Tub for the group
• Private Patio area
• Private BBQ
• Internet (Wi-Fi)
• Flatscreen Smart TV

There is also a central reception building which has a cafe & gym (not open on New Years Day) and the sites host home to animal including Highland coos, Alpacasa and sheep. 

Address: Hay's Wood Retreat

Setch Rd, Blackborough End, King's Lynn PE32 1SL

Thank you all for your deposit, the remaining balance is due by 12th November.

You will shortly receive an email with an invoice and payment link. 

What’s Included  

✔ 2 nights’ accommodation at Hay’s Wood Retreat 

✔ Exclusive use of three lodges for our group 

✔ 3 fully guided winter walks led by a qualified guide 

✔ Outdoor First Aider present throughout the trip 

✔ Vegetarian New Year’s Eve picky bits 

✔ Use of the hot tub 

✔ Detailed trip pack with preparation information 

✔ Pre-trip Zoom Q&A session 

✔ WhatsApp group for coordination, introductions and optional lift-sharing 

✔ Adventure Women trip planning and hosting  

What’s Not Included  

❌ Breakfasts and lunches – please bring your own food 

❌ Evening meals other than the New Year’s Eve picky bits – these will be self-catered or optional pub visits 

❌ Drinks 

❌ Transport – no transport is included. Participants typically arrange optional lift-sharing amongst themselves via the trip WhatsApp group 

❌ Personal hiking kit including boots, waterproofs and winter walking clothing 

❌ Travel insurance (recommended) 

❌ A guarantee of perfect winter weather! We can’t control the conditions, but we’ll make the most of whatever Norfolk has to offer. 

We will meet at 10.00am at Brandon Station Car Park

Head to: 

Brandon station. 

Bridge Street, Brandon, IP27 0BA

Google Pin: https://share.google/PrF778RHmgTkMJQy8

Breakfasts 

Breakfasts can be made in the self catering kitchen.

Lunches 

Please bring lunch for the first walk.

Rest of trip - Lunches can be prepared in the self catering kitchen. (Please note there is 1 fridge/ freezer for the group)

The nearest shop for top up food is about 12 mins drive away - however there may be restricted opening times due to the holidays.

Dinners 

NYE - Vegetarian Picky bits will be provided, if you need anything extra please bring that with you. 

1st Jan - Will be in local restaurant /Pub or maybe a takeaway. We will do our best to cater for all dietary requirements. 

If you prefer not to join us for dinner, you are welcome to use the self-catering kitchen.

Please Note:  Food and drink is not included other than stated above. 

Guides: 

Our Walks are led by a qualified walking leader with Mountain Training UK and Outdoor First Aider. 

Weather: 

We love the sun but if it is having a day off please be aware activities will still go ahead in the rain. However if conditions are unsafe, activities are subject to be changed or cancelled for safety reasons. If we do have to cancel an activity, we'll do our best to arrange an alternative plan for the day. Unsafe weather can include heavy rain, strong wind, snow, thunder & lightning for example.

Terrain: 

Hikes on this trip are Moderate - suitable for those comfortable walking up to 16 km with gentle elevation and 5+ hrs walking. 

The terrain will vary throughout the weekend and includes uneven footpath and tracks, rolling moorland, gentle hills, riverside trails, farmland tracks, and sections through woodland. Paths can be narrow and muddy. Good fitness, sure-footedness, and appropriate footwear are essential, along with confidence on uneven terrain.

You must be physically fit, well and capable of sustained walking. You are responsible for your own health & Safety and should be confident hiking for several hours in variable conditions. 

Sign Up Form:

Please complete the below sign up form at least 7 days before the start of the trip

https://form.jotform.com/201554976381058

When completing your form, please let us know if you have any injuries, illnesses, or additional needs that could help us plan and manage the walk safely. This is not about excluding anyone - it's so we can be aware, prepared and carry any additional kit if needed to support you on the day. 

Activities, Fitness & Personal Responsibility:

It is your responsibility to ensure you book a trip that matches your current fitness level and experience. Our walks and activities are graded to help guide your choice, but please read the full trip description carefully and consider the distance, elevation, terrain, pace, and any specific requirements.

If, at any point, the activity leader has concerns about your ability to complete a walk within the required time or at a suitable pace—or feels you may not be able to take part safely—you may be asked not to join the activity. This decision is never taken lightly and is made in the interest of the safety, wellbeing, and enjoyment of the whole group.

Some walks and activities take place in remote or exposed areas, where options to shorten or leave early may be limited. Fatigue, weather conditions, or lack of preparation can present real risks, particularly on multi-day trips.

Outdoor activities carry an element of inherent risk, which cannot be completely eliminated. During guided activities, leaders take all reasonable care to manage the group safely. However, participants remain responsible for their own actions, decisions, and personal safety at all times.

Accommodation & Free Time:
Time spent at the accommodation—including use of kitchens, appliances, outdoor areas, leisure facilities (Including hot tubs) and other available facilities—as well as any time outside of organised activities is considered free time and is not part of the guided programme.

During this time, participants are responsible for their own safety and actions. To the fullest extent permitted by law, Adventure Women UK and its leaders are not liable for any injury, loss, or damage arising from personal time or activities undertaken outside of the organised programme.

Participants should follow any guidance or rules provided by the accommodation, local authorities, or relevant signage, and use all facilities and environments sensibly and at their own risk.

Adventure Women UK trips are all about shared experiences — walking, laughing, and adventuring together in a supportive and welcoming environment. To make sure everyone feels comfortable and included, please keep the following in mind throughout the trip:

Be Kind & Inclusive:
Treat everyone with respect, kindness, and patience. We’re all here for the same reason — to enjoy the outdoors and connect with like-minded women. Please help create a friendly, non-judgmental atmosphere where everyone feels welcome and valued.

Respect Space & Cleanliness:
Be mindful of shared spaces — whether that’s bunkhouse kitchens, bathrooms, or common areas. Keep your gear tidy, clean up after yourself, and be considerate of others’ need for quiet time or rest.

Be Considerate & Encouraging:
We all come with different experiences, comfort levels, and strengths. A positive attitude and consideration for others help create a relaxed and enjoyable group dynamic. Support goes both ways — everyone contributes to making the trip a great experience for the whole group.

Follow Safety Guidance:
Please follow your leader’s instructions at all times and stay within the planned route. If you notice anything unsafe or feel unwell, let a leader know straight away. The use of alcohol or anything that could impair judgement during activities is not permitted.

Environment & Community:
We follow Leave No Trace principles — take all litter home, respect wildlife, and stick to paths where possible. We’re guests in the landscapes and communities we visit, so please be polite, responsible, and respectful towards local people and places.

Confidentiality & Privacy:
What’s shared within the group stays within the group. Respect personal boundaries, and never share others’ stories or photos without permission.

By joining this trip, you’re agreeing to uphold the Adventure Women UK ethos — one of kindness, inclusion, responsibility, and adventure with integrity.

We kindly ask everyone to treat the accommodation with respect throughout the trip.

Participants are responsible for any damage or loss caused to the property, its contents, or facilities during their stay. Any breakages or damage must be reported as soon as possible. Where damage is attributable to an individual, the cost of repair or replacement may be charged to that participant.

Before departure, all guests are expected to leave the accommodation in a clean and tidy condition. This includes basic tasks such as washing up, removing personal belongings and rubbish, and leaving shared spaces as they were found. This is a light clean rather than a full deep clean, but helps ensure we meet the property’s checkout requirements.

Thank you for helping us look after the places we stay.

Please Note: 

By RSVPing yes to any event you are agreeing to our Ts&Cs

You acknowledge that outdoor activities involve inherent risks, including but not limited to slips, trips, falls, drowning, exposure to extreme weather, equipment failure, medical emergencies, serious injury and death and voluntarily assume all such risks. For more details, visit: https://adventurewomen.co.uk/ts%26cs

Personal insurance is recommended for all of our trips. Adventure Women cannot advise on policies.

Cancellations:

All places are non-refundable; however, 

• Upto 7 days before - If your space is filled → a refund may be issued minus a 20% administration fee (calculated on the total trip cost) (Full balance must have been paid)
• If not filled → no refund will be issued 
• Less than 7 days before → no refund will be issued 

See our full policy below:

https://adventurewomen.co.uk/payment-and-cancellations