Pike Rigg

The walk up Pike Rigg from near Whitby takes you onto proper moorland - one of those Yorkshire climbs that feels harder than it looks on the map. You're gaining height steadily through heather and rough grass, and the effort pays off once you crest the ridge. The views back toward the coast and across the North York Moors are genuinely impressive, especially on a clear day when you can pick out Whitby itself down below.

It's the kind of walk that suits serious hikers more than casual strollers. There's nothing much at the summit itself - no café, no viewing platform, no trinket shop - which is exactly why people come. You get the satisfaction of a proper fell walk without the crowds you'd find on more famous peaks. Allow two to three hours for a round trip depending on fitness and which approach you take. The terrain underfoot can be boggy after rain, so proper boots are essential rather than optional.

Families with young children might find it a slog, though energetic teenagers would enjoy the challenge. This is walkers' territory. The nearest accommodation, Prospect House Farm Glamping & Camping, sits five and a half miles away and offers a decent base if you're planning multiple days exploring the moors around Whitby. Go on a weekday if possible - weekend foot traffic on popular routes around here can feel surprisingly heavy. The best light for photography is late afternoon, when the moorland turns golden and the coastal views really sing.