Hayburn Wyke waterfall

The walk down to Hayburn Wyke is honestly the best bit - a proper descent through woodland that feels like proper rambling territory, not some manicured nature trail. You emerge onto a shingly beach where a small waterfall drops onto the rocks, cascading into a rockpool that's cold enough to make you gasp if you're daft enough to paddle in it. It's not dramatic, but it's genuine and a bit wild for the Yorkshire coast.

The whole outing takes about 90 minutes from the car park if you're moving at a decent pace. Families with younger kids might want longer, especially if they fancy mucking about in the pools or hunting for crabs. Serious hikers won't be challenged, but the woodland path is lovely underfoot and the payoff - standing on that beach with the cliff face behind you - makes it worthwhile.

Timing matters. Go on a calm day and you'll have the place nearly to yourself. Turn up after school holidays when the car park's rammed and it loses some magic. The nearest basecamp is Scarborough, about 15 minutes' drive away. If you're camping at Scarborough Camping and Caravanning Club or glamping at Prospect House Farm, this is the sort of expedition that fills a good morning without eating the whole day. Pack layers - the wind can bite even when it's sunny inland.