Attractions and Places To See around Picton - Top 20
Best attractions and places to see around Picton include a mix of natural landscapes, historical sites, and scenic trails. The region features reservoirs, ancient villages, and woodlands, offering diverse outdoor experiences. Visitors can explore challenging climbs, peaceful forest walks, and historical monuments. The area provides opportunities for hiking and enjoying panoramic viewpoints.
Best attractions and places to see around Picton
- The most popular attractions is Cod Beck Reservoir, a reservoir and natural area that offers a walk of around 1.5 miles through moorland and woodlands. It is surrounded by coniferous woodland, moorland, and hills.
- Another must-see spot is Osmotherley Village Green and Medieval Cross, a historical site and village green. Visitors can expect a picturesque North Yorkshire village with a medieval cross, serving as a good access point for hill walking.
- Visitors also love Scarth Nick Climb, a challenging trail with steep descents. It is known as one of Yorkshire's top 100 climbs, offering a significant challenge for cyclists and hikers.
- Picton is known for its diverse hiking routes, historical sites, and natural viewpoints. The area offers a variety of attractions to see and explore, from tranquil reservoirs to challenging climbs and ancient village greens.
- The attractions around Picton are appreciated by the komoot community, with 48 photos and 173 upvotes shared by visitors.
Last updated: May 22, 2026
Cod Beck Reservoir
Highlight • Structure
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Osmotherley Village Green and Medieval Cross
Highlight • Monument
The village is a good access point for hill walking, with the Cleveland Way National Trail or Lyke Wake Walk passing through.
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Scarth Nick Climb
Highlight (Segment) • Trail
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Clain Wood
Highlight • Forest
It's situated on the north-western edge of the North York Moors near Swainby.
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Lady Chapel (Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Grace)
Highlight • Religious Site
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Tips from the Community
Stayed at one of the local pubs, was good but their internet connection was non-existent, had to pay for a 24hr hotspot with EE
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Serene spot with several benches where you can have a quick pit stop or picnic. Just north of the chapel, where you rejoin the public footpath, there are sweeping views of the countryside to the west.
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Easy parking (ice cream van in summer!) at Sheep Wash, great path through the coniferous wood running along the southern edge of the reservoir, awesome views, cool breeze across the water, option to follow numerous tracks east into the woods around Cote Garth and Golden Square. Lots of familys, dog walkers and hikers - something for everyone here.
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Quintessential North Yorkshire village, very picturesque with good amenities and access points to the northwest of the NYM National Park. However, can be very congested with cars so parking is difficult. Drive north and park at Cod Beck Reservoir, then add Osmotherley to your hiking route. Lots of roads and public footpaths to choose from.
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Very easy track to follow through mixed woodland. My photos taken at 5.30am on a sunny May morning, with sunlight streaming in through the trees at a low angle. Definitely worth a visit and a great route to take to get up on to Live Moor.
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Clain Wood is an attractive woodland bursting with seasonal colours. In the springtime, you're afforded a seasonal display of blooming bluebells, and in the autumn, the most wonderful display of orange/yellow leaves. It's situated on the north-western edge of the North York Moors near Swainby.
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Clain Forest is a very pretty place. In the summer, the gorgeous bluebells, in the autumn, at the right time of the year, the orange/yellow spectacle as though out of some kind of Impressionist painting. Worth stopping by: a very beautiful place.
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Frequently Asked Questions
What are the most popular natural attractions around Picton?
The most popular natural attraction is Cod Beck Reservoir, a beautiful reservoir surrounded by coniferous woodland, moorland, and hills. It offers a scenic walk of about 1.5 miles. Another notable natural spot is Clain Wood, known for its attractive woodland bursting with seasonal colors, including bluebells in spring and vibrant autumn leaves.
Are there any historical sites or cultural landmarks to visit near Picton?
Yes, you can explore Osmotherley Village Green and Medieval Cross, a picturesque North Yorkshire village with a medieval cross that has served as a meeting and preaching place for centuries. Additionally, the Lady Chapel (Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Grace) is a historical religious building dating back to the late 14th century, known as a place of Marian devotion and pilgrimage.
What kind of outdoor activities can I do near Picton's attractions?
The area around Picton is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can enjoy walking around Cod Beck Reservoir or explore the trails in Clain Wood. For more challenging adventures, Scarth Nick Climb is a renowned spot for both cyclists and hikers. The village of Osmotherley also serves as a great access point for hill walking, including sections of the Cleveland Way National Trail or Lyke Wake Walk.
Are there family-friendly attractions or walks around Picton?
Yes, several attractions are suitable for families. The walk around Cod Beck Reservoir is considered family-friendly, offering an easy 1.5-mile loop through woodlands and moorland. Clain Wood also features an easy-to-follow track through mixed woodland, perfect for a family stroll. The picturesque Osmotherley Village Green is also a pleasant spot for families to visit.
Where can I find challenging cycling or hiking routes near Picton?
For a significant challenge, Scarth Nick Climb is one of Yorkshire's top 100 climbs, featuring steep descents and demanding sections for both cyclists and hikers. You can find more challenging cycling routes, including gravel biking and road cycling, in the wider Picton area by exploring the Gravel biking around Picton or Road Cycling Routes around Picton guides.
What are the best viewpoints around Picton?
The Lady Chapel (Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Grace) offers nice views through a gap in the trees over the valley below, and just north of the chapel, you'll find sweeping views of the countryside to the west. While challenging, the Scarth Nick Climb also provides rewarding vistas.
Are there places to eat or facilities near the attractions?
Yes, the village of Osmotherley, home to Osmotherley Village Green and Medieval Cross, has a café, a pub, and public toilets. It's a convenient stop for refreshments and facilities, especially after a walk around Cod Beck Reservoir, which is within easy walking distance.
What do visitors enjoy most about the attractions around Picton?
Visitors particularly enjoy the picturesque scenery and peaceful atmosphere. The walk around Cod Beck Reservoir is praised for its beauty and ease of access from Osmotherley. Clain Wood is loved for its seasonal displays of bluebells and autumn leaves, creating a stunning visual experience. The historical charm of Osmotherley Village Green and the serene setting of Lady Chapel are also highly appreciated.
Can I find cycling routes that pass through or near these attractions?
Absolutely. The Picton area is popular for cycling. For example, Scarth Nick Climb is a well-known challenge for cyclists. You can explore various cycling options, including touring, gravel, and road cycling, by checking out the Cycling around Picton, Gravel biking around Picton, and Road Cycling Routes around Picton guides.
What is the terrain like for walks and trails near Picton?
The terrain varies significantly. Around Cod Beck Reservoir, you'll find moorland and woodland paths, with some tough climbs to reach the reservoir itself. Clain Wood offers very easy-to-follow tracks through mixed woodland. For more challenging terrain, Scarth Nick Climb features steep descents and can be slippery when wet, requiring caution.
Is there parking available near the main attractions?
Parking can be found near some attractions, though it might be limited. For instance, parking in Osmotherley village, near Osmotherley Village Green, can be congested. A tip for visitors is to drive north and park at Cod Beck Reservoir and then incorporate Osmotherley into your hiking route, as there are many public footpaths connecting them.
Are there any religious sites or places of pilgrimage in the area?
Yes, the Lady Chapel (Shrine of Our Lady of Mount Grace) is a significant religious site near Picton. It is a place of Marian devotion and pilgrimage, with origins dating back to the late 14th century. Many centuries of Christians have visited this peaceful chapel, especially on the Sunday nearest the Feast of the Assumption.
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