Ellercarr Pike

The walk up Ellercarr Pike rewards you with proper Yorkshire moorland views - the kind where you can see for miles on a clear day. It's not a massively technical climb, more of a steady trudge across open ground with the landscape gradually opening up as you gain height. The peak itself sits around 1,000 feet, so it's manageable for families with decent walking boots and a bit of stamina, though younger kids might find the final push a slog.

What makes it worth the effort is the sense of isolation you get up there. You're well north of Harrogate, in proper Dales territory, and the moorland feels genuinely wild - gorse, heather, and a lot of wide-open sky. On a quiet weekday you could easily have the place to yourself, which is increasingly rare for accessible peaks in the region.

Allow a couple of hours for a steady walk and a breather at the top. There's no visitor infrastructure - no café, no car park facilities - so bring water and pack something to eat. Spring and autumn are your best bets weather-wise; summer crowds aren't as bad as honeypot spots closer to Harrogate, but moorland can turn murky fast when weather rolls in.

If you're based at one of the nearby campsites like Breaks Fold Farm Glamping or Windmill Retreats, this makes a cracking morning or afternoon walk. It pairs well with exploring the wider Dales area - proper fell-walking country without needing rock scrambling skills.