Danby Beacon

A 299-metre moorland summit with a replica fire beacon and views across the valley to the sea.

Photo: John Slater, CC BY-SA 2.0, via Geograph

Danby Beacon is the high point of the moor north-east of Danby village. From the Middle Ages a fire beacon here was part of the chain that warned of invasion, and in the Second World War the hilltop was the site of an early radar station that helped bring down the first enemy aircraft shot down over England.

A replica beacon was erected in 2008. On a clear day the views take in the whole of the upper Esk Valley, the coast from Whitby to Redcar and, to the north, the Cleveland Hills and Teesside.

You can drive to the small car park at the top or walk up from Danby or The Moors Centre. It is exposed in wind and weather, so wrap up.

History & heritage

Danby Castle

A fortified 14th-century manor that was home to Catherine Parr, and still the seat of a working manorial court.

Danby

Nature & views

Mallyan Spout

The national park's best-known waterfall, a 70-foot curtain of water in a wooded gorge below Goathland.

Goathland

Family days out

The Moors National Park Centre

The national park's main visitor centre, with exhibitions, a café, riverside walks, gardens and a great play area.

Danby

More photos

Watch

All videos

Danby Beacon and the Esk Valley on foot

A long winter walk over the beacon with views along the whole valley.

Video by Gary Fisher on YouTube