Whorl Hill is a dominant feature rising from the Mowbray Plain to 237m. Not only does its size in relation to the Plain make the Hill more manifest, but the fact that from half-way up it is wooded all the way around to its very crown.

From Scarth Nick, Whorl Hill is immediately recognised by its large domed shape with a carpet of dense forest capping its summit. The hill stands as an island, distinct from the North York Moors but close enough to the Moors to be considered as part of them.

Viewed from the Coast to Coast path on Cringle Moor there is a striking view to Bilsdale West Moor with Whorl Hill protruding from the Vale. Lordstones Country Park is in the foreground dip.

The easiest way to access Whorl Hill Wood is via a footpath in Faceby that enters the woodland from its south east corner on Bank Lane. The wood is dense but the footpath is broad and easy to follow. It takes a full sweep of the hill before returning to itself. An alternative route in the wood takes a shortcut to the east of the summit.

In the late spring the woodland path is lined with bluebells which stretch up and down the slope of the Hill. This is a circuitous path that is attractive and peaceful. Parts of the wood contain large boulders strewn between the trees.

Legend has it that Whorl Hill is the home of a wyrm dragon that had toxic breath and breathed fire, and that it regularly flew across the local farmland, destroying crops and livestock by burning and poisoning them. It could be placated by feeding it the fresh milk of nine cows each day. The dragon was eventually slain by a knight who happened upon the village (Whorlton). He would accept no reward and did not disclose his name. To this day he is known as the unknown Knight.