Wildlife spot
Wykeham Forest Raptor Viewpoint
By Jon Cosson · Updated 10 October 2026
A permanent, signposted raptor viewpoint looking out over Troutsdale in Wykeham Forest, between Pickering and Scarborough. One of the most reliable places in the North York Moors to look for goshawk and honey buzzard.
What you might see
Goshawk, best in late winter when the birds display over the trees; honey buzzard in summer, along with common buzzard, red kite and peregrine. Nothing is guaranteed: bring binoculars, patience and, ideally, clear skies with a bit of thermal lift.
Getting there and parking
Follow the signs north off the A170 at Wykeham into the forest; don't trust a postcode on a satnav for this one. There is a small forest car park at the viewpoint (grid reference SE 935887). The approach is forest road, so take it gently. Check before you travel. Nearest fuel is Pickering or Scarborough.
Access
The viewpoint is not step-free. Check before you travel. If you do bring a dog, keep it under close control and well away from nesting birds.
Nearby
Combine it with Forge Valley for woodland birds, or with a day around Dalby Forest. Details verified August 2026.
Map and how to get there
- Area
- Wykeham Forest (Pickering–Scarborough)
- Coordinates
- 54.2840, -0.5450
- Parking
- Off-road parking available Check before you travel.
- Nearest fuel
- Pickering or Scarborough
- Access
- Not step-free — a forest track and rough ground from the small car park (grid ref SE 935887). Don't trust the postcode on a satnav; follow the signs north off the A170 at Wykeham.
More to see nearby
Wildlife spot
Forge Valley National Nature Reserve
West Ayton (near Scarborough)
Not season-specific in our notes — woodland birds use the feeders year-round.
Wildlife spot
Fen Bog nature reserve
Newtondale, near Goathland
Late spring into summer, when dragonflies and butterflies are on the wing.
Wildlife spot
Scaling Dam Reservoir
A171 (northern moor edge)
Autumn and winter, when wildfowl and wader numbers are highest.
Wildlife spot
Ravenscar — seals & clifftop
Ravenscar (coast)
Seals year-round; grey seals pup in November and common seals in summer.
Nearby guide
Dalby Forest
Forest drive, trails and cafe just west along the A170.
Nearby guide
Scarborough
The nearest big town for fuel, food and a coastal finish.
Nearby guide
Wildlife of the North York Moors
What to look for across the park, month by month.
Where to stay in the North York Moors
Self-catering cottages, village inns and farmhouse boltholes right across the moors, from the southern villages to the coast.
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