The Nab

The Nab isn't a household name, which is precisely why it's worth the effort from York. This modest North Yorkshire peak sits in the Howardian Hills, offering proper views across the Vale of Pickering once you've made the climb. It's the sort of walk that takes about an hour up and the same back down, depending on your fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath.

You get moorland and open countryside rather than dramatic cliffs or elaborate viewpoints. The reward is the perspective - rolling hills stretching away in all directions, with Pickering and its surroundings laid out below. On a clear day it's genuinely impressive. On a misty one, you might wonder why you bothered.

This is a walker's destination, pure and simple. Families with young children could manage it, but teenagers with no real interest in views will get bored quickly. History buffs won't find much except the landscape itself. It's free to visit - there's no visitor centre or facilities at the summit, so bring water and wear proper shoes.

If you're based at Hillside Caravan Park or one of the other spots within a few miles, The Nab makes a solid half-day excursion alongside exploring Pickering and the broader Howardian Hills area. It's not a detour for its own sake if you're just passing through Yorkshire, but if you're already out walking in the region, it's well worth the legs.