Barley Carr Rigg

The walk up Barley Carr Rigg from Whitby rewards you with views that stretch across the North York Moors in almost every direction. It's not particularly high - just shy of 400 metres - but what it lacks in altitude it makes up for with accessibility. Most people can manage this as a half-day ramble without needing special kit, though proper boots help on the rougher sections.

The moorland itself feels properly wild. Once you're away from the car park, it's just you, the heather, and whatever weather the Yorkshire coast decides to throw at you. The wind can be fierce up here, so don't expect shelter, but on a decent day the visibility is excellent. You'll spot the coast, inland valleys, and on the clearest days, views that pull your eye for miles.

Walkers will get the most from Barley Carr Rigg. It's straightforward enough for families with older kids who've done a few hills before, but younger ones might find the moorland exposed and monotonous. History enthusiasts won't find much - there's the landscape itself and that's largely it. Allow two to three hours for the round trip depending on pace and how long you linger at the top.

If you're staying at Prospect House Farm Glamping up the road, this fits perfectly into a few days exploring the moors around Whitby. It's the sort of walk that clears your head and reminds you why you came north in the first place.