Great Close Scar

The walk up Great Close Scar rewards you with one of those unexpected Yorkshire vistas that makes you understand why people move to the Dales and never leave. It's a proper limestone escarpment rising above the moorland near Skipton, and the climb itself is straightforward enough - nothing technical, but you'll feel your legs working.

What you get is a panoramic sweep across Wharfedale and beyond, with the surrounding peaks rolling away in every direction. On a clear day the views are genuinely excellent. The actual summit area is moorland rather than a dramatic rocky pinnacle, which some might find a touch anticlimactic, but the openness of it means you're not hemmed in by terrain - just wide sky and distance.

It's a solid choice for keen walkers and anyone based at the nearby caravan parks like Malham Glamping Pods or Wood Nook. Families might find it a bit of a slog depending on children's ages and fitness, though there's nothing dangerous about it. Most people allow two to three hours for a circular walk depending on route and pace. There's no charge to walk it, and no specific opening hours apply - it's wild countryside.

Combine it with a visit to Malham village itself - only a few miles away - where you can see the Cove and Janet's Foss waterfall. Great Close Scar works best as part of a wider walking day rather than a standalone destination, but it's well worth including if you're already exploring the area from one of the holiday parks.