Breckon Howe

The walk up Breckon Howe rewards you with views across the North Yorkshire moors that stretch for miles. It's not a dramatic peak - nothing like the Lake District fells - but that's rather the point. This is proper moorland walking, the kind where you can actually see where you're going, and the effort-to-view ratio is entirely reasonable.

From Whitby, it's an easy drive inland to reach the trailhead. The climb itself takes about 45 minutes at a steady pace, with firm paths most of the way. On a clear day you get sweeping vistas across the moors, with the coast visible on the horizon if you squint hard enough. It's the sort of place where families with reasonably fit teenagers will have a decent time, and serious walkers might string together a longer loop using other routes in the area.

There's no visitor infrastructure to speak of - just the moor and the views - so bring water and proper boots. Spring and early autumn are best, when the weather's more predictable and the heather's either fresh green or golden-brown depending on the season.

If you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Broadings Farm or Northcliffe & Seaview are both solid options - Breckon Howe makes a straightforward half-day excursion. It's not the sort of peak you'd plan a whole trip around, but as part of exploring the North York Moors National Park, it absolutely earns its place on your walking list.