Abbot Hills

The walk up Abbot Hills rewards you with proper moorland views across the Yorkshire Dales - it's the kind of ridge that makes you understand why people come back to this part of North Yorkshire again and again. You're looking at rolling hills, stone walls cutting through the landscape, and on a clear day, the view stretches far enough that you start spotting peaks you didn't know existed.

It's a solid choice for walkers who want something achievable without needing climbing gear or special training. Most people manage it as a half-day excursion from Skipton, which sits just a few miles away and serves as a good base for supplies and lunch beforehand. The terrain is moorland underfoot - so proper boots matter, especially after rain when it gets boggy in patches.

Families with kids who can handle a decent hill walk will get on fine here, though younger children might find the exposed ridge a bit relentless. History enthusiasts won't find much tangible stuff to look at, but the landscape itself tells the story of centuries of farming and settlement.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Wood Nook or Wharfedale are both excellent, with five-star reviews - Abbot Hills fits nicely into a wider Dales itinerary without eating up a full day. Allow two to three hours for a comfortable outing. There's no visitor centre or facilities on the hill itself, so bring water and a packed lunch. Go midweek if you can; weekends pull a decent crowd.