Mountain peaks around Pickering, North Yorkshire, are characterized by elevated hills that offer scenic views across the region. This area is part of the North York Moors, providing a landscape of moorland, forests, and valleys. The topography supports various outdoor activities, including walking and hiking. These elevated features contribute to the natural beauty of the area, offering accessible viewpoints and trails.
Last updated: August 9, 2026
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Popular around Pickering
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Running Trails around Pickering
Many paths. Quiet and beautiful. Perfect for a mountain and a gravel bike.
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Fantastic 360 degree views and a variety of routeing options. I can't comment on the track west to Wheeldale Lodge or the bridleway south along Simon Howe Rigg to Cropton Forest, but both the bridleway north to Goathland, and the track east to Fen Bog Nature Reserve and the A169 are good quality tracks over easy terrain. The track east to Fen Bog is still quite waterlogged and boggy in some places even in July, but it is quite easy to skirt around these over the heather.
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Great views southwest across the Castle Howard estate. Descend the public bridleway south alongside Spring Wood to join a public footpath that runs west to Bog Hall, from which you can follow further public footpaths either north or south around the estate.
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This location was about 10 miles into this trail. It is a crossroads in Dalby Forest. You can rest the bikes against several fences & gates, then sit down on an elevated drain type seat. Good point to rehydrate and eat
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A scheduled monument, Simon Howe is a large round cairn on Goathland Moor that offers great views of the North York Moors National Park.
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Top of the hill! Marked with a distinctive boulder where you can stop and take in the spectacular views of the surrounding North Yorkshire Moors
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There are great views from this spot, right next to Hepton Hill (the summit is actually on the road by the same name, just next to this place). It's a lovely vista, particularly towards Castle Howard into the distance and the hills in general. There is a seat provided as well
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At Simon Howe (260 m), you will see a cairn and a ring of stones, but what they used to be and for what purpose is apparently 'shrouded by the mist of time' as they used to phrase it in my favourite sci-fi series! In the summer, you will be surrounded by a sea of purple heather. There are some stones here on which it will be possible to rest your running feet for awhile.
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The most popular elevated spots around Pickering include Simon Howe Bronze Age Cairn, known for its historical significance and views over Goathland Moor. Another favorite is Dalby Forest Crossroads Rest Area, which marks the highest point in Dalby Forest. Visitors also enjoy the View of Castle Howard from Hepton Hill for its scenic vistas.
Yes, Simon Howe Bronze Age Cairn is a significant historical site. It features a well-preserved Bronze Age round cairn and a standing stone, offering a glimpse into ancient history while providing expansive views over Goathland Moor.
From the elevated points around Pickering, you can expect diverse and picturesque views. For instance, Simon Howe Bronze Age Cairn offers views over the wild expanse of Goathland Moor. From Hepton Hill, you can enjoy lovely vistas towards Castle Howard and the surrounding hills. Spires Bank Summit provides spectacular views of the wider North Yorkshire Moors.
While specific peaks may vary in difficulty, the region generally offers accessible elevated viewpoints and trails. Dalby Forest, where the Dalby Forest Crossroads Rest Area is located, is known for its family-friendly facilities and trails, making it a good option for walks with varying levels of difficulty.
The area around Pickering's peaks is excellent for various outdoor activities. You can find numerous hiking routes, such as the 'Newbridge and Blansby Park loop' or the 'Wooden Steps on Forest Trail – Pickering Castle loop'. For cycling, options include sections of the 'Moor to Sea Cycle Network' or routes through Dalby Forest. Mountain biking enthusiasts can explore trails like the 'Dalby Forest Full Blue Route'. You can find more details on these activities in the Hiking around Pickering, Cycling around Pickering, and MTB Trails around Pickering guides.
The highest point in Dalby Forest is marked by the Dalby Forest Crossroads Rest Area, which reaches an elevation of 248 meters. It features a trig point, making it a notable spot within the forest.
For spectacular panoramic views of the North Yorkshire Moors, consider visiting Spires Bank Summit. It's marked by a distinctive boulder and offers expansive vistas of the surrounding landscape.
Many of the elevated spots around Pickering are accessible via trails of varying difficulty. For easier walks, areas within Dalby Forest or routes that lead to viewpoints like Hepton Hill often provide less strenuous options while still offering rewarding views.
Visitors appreciate the diverse experiences offered by Pickering's elevated spots. They enjoy the historical significance of sites like Simon Howe Bronze Age Cairn, the scenic beauty and tranquility of places like Dalby Forest, and the expansive views from various summits and viewpoints, especially towards landmarks like Castle Howard and across the North York Moors.
Yes, you can find trig pillars on some of the elevated points. For example, the Dalby Forest Crossroads Rest Area, which is the highest point in Dalby Forest, features a trig point. Additionally, Riseborough Hill Summit is marked by a trig pillar.
The terrain around Pickering's elevated points, part of the North York Moors, typically features moorland, forests, and valleys. Trails can range from well-maintained paths in areas like Dalby Forest to more rugged, sometimes waterlogged or boggy tracks, especially in less frequented moorland areas. It's advisable to wear appropriate footwear.


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