Best mountain peaks around Hartoft are found within an isolated valley in the North York Moors National Park, characterized by gentle slopes and a pastoral landscape. The area offers prominent hills and elevated points that provide scenic views and historical interest. These high points are more accurately described as significant hills rather than towering mountains. Visitors can explore a variety of natural features and historical sites, making the Hartoft area a notable destination for outdoor activities.
Last updated: May 2, 2026
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Highlight • Climb
Translated by Google •
Tip by
Sign up now to discover places like this
Get recommendations on the best single tracks, peaks, & plenty of other exciting outdoor places.
Sign up for free
Highlight • Viewpoint
Tip by
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
Highlight • Summit
Tip by
Start today with a free account
Your next adventure awaits.
Login or Signup
Randy Rigg 188.5m P16.4 (618ft) (Hill ID: 512343) [JNSA s12761] County of Yorkshire Definitive List summit. North York Moors National Park Definitive List summit.
0
0
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.
1
0
A scheduled monument, Simon Howe is a large round cairn on Goathland Moor that offers great views of the North York Moors National Park.
0
0
Highest point in the North York Moors with beautiful views in all directions. From here you can take several options to cycle down.
1
0
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
0
0
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.
1
0
Riseborough Hill 72.12m P25.3 (237ft) TP5691 - Riseborough S6905 County of Yorkshire Trig Pillar County of Yorkshire Definitive List Summit
0
0
The Hartoft area, nestled within the North York Moors, features prominent hills and elevated points rather than towering mountain peaks. These are more accurately described as significant hills, offering scenic views and historical interest across a pastoral landscape with gentle slopes.
For breathtaking vistas, visit Simon Howe Bronze Age Cairn, which provides glorious 360-degree panoramic views of the surrounding North York Moors. Another excellent spot is Spires Bank Summit, marked by a distinctive boulder, offering spectacular views of the North Yorkshire Moors.
Yes, Simon Howe Bronze Age Cairn is a historically significant site. It features a well-preserved Bronze Age round cairn, standing stones, and associated round barrows, offering a glimpse into prehistoric communities and their rituals.
The area is characterized by a pastoral landscape and gentle slopes. In summer, the surroundings of Simon Howe Bronze Age Cairn are adorned with a vibrant sea of purple heather. Expansive views of the moorland and valleys are common from most elevated points.
Many of the trails leading to the peaks and elevated points around Hartoft are considered intermediate in difficulty. For example, the route to Simon Howe Bronze Age Cairn is part of a moderate 9.0-mile loop. However, there are also easy hikes around Hartoft for those seeking less challenging options.
Yes, several hiking routes incorporate the area's high points. For instance, the moderate 9.0-mile Mauley Cross and Simon Howe Loop includes Simon Howe Bronze Age Cairn. You can find more options in the Hiking around Hartoft guide.
The summer months are particularly rewarding, especially for experiencing the vibrant purple heather that blankets the moorland around sites like Simon Howe Bronze Age Cairn. However, the views and historical sites can be enjoyed year-round, with each season offering a different character to the landscape.
While some trails are intermediate, many of the elevated points around Hartoft are accessible via walks that can be enjoyed by families. It's advisable to check specific route details for length and elevation to ensure they match your family's capabilities. There are also dedicated easy hikes around Hartoft.
Generally, dogs are welcome on trails in the North York Moors. However, it's important to keep them on a lead, especially during lambing season or when livestock are present, and to protect ground-nesting birds. Always follow the Countryside Code.
Beyond hiking, the Hartoft area offers excellent opportunities for road cycling. You can explore various routes, such as those detailed in the Road Cycling Routes around Hartoft guide, which includes options like the Rosedale Abbey to Pickering route.
Visitors frequently highlight the spectacular 360-degree panoramic views, the sense of history at sites like Simon Howe Bronze Age Cairn, and the peaceful, wild expanse of the North York Moors. The distinctive features like trig pillars at Riseborough Hill Summit also add to the appeal.


See even more amazing summits around Hartoft with these guides: