Pen Howe

The walk up Pen Howe is deceptively straightforward until it isn't. Starting from near Whitby, this North Yorkshire peak rewards you with views across the moors that feel properly expansive - the kind where you can actually see why people got excited about Yorkshire's landscape centuries ago.

It's not a mammoth undertaking. Most walkers bag it in under two hours there and back, though the final push gets steep enough that you'll feel it in your legs. The ground underfoot varies between mud, grass, and loose stone depending on recent weather, so decent boots aren't optional. Children with reasonable stamina will manage fine, though younger ones might find the gradient tiresome.

What makes Pen Howe worthwhile is the isolation. You won't be jostling for space with crowds. On a clear day the views southwest towards the moors are genuinely excellent - far enough from the coast to feel like proper moorland rather than a seaside walk.

If you're staying at Broadings Farm Caravan Site or Whitby Holiday Park - both solid bases about 4-6 miles away - this slots well into a morning ramble before heading back for lunch. Northcliffe and Seaview, rated top marks, would work equally well as your base. The walk doesn't demand advance booking or fees; it's simply a case of turning up with proper footwear and checking the weather forecast first.