Alphin Pike

The walk up Alphin Pike from Greenfield is steep enough to test your legs but short enough not to demand a full day. It's a proper little fell, 627 metres at the top, with views that open up across the Pennines on a clear day. The moorland path takes around an hour to climb if you're at a normal pace, and there's real satisfaction in reaching the summit - the kind of hill that feels properly earned without being a full expedition.

Most people doing this are walkers with at least basic fitness. It's not a casual stroll, and the terrain gets boggy after rain, so proper boots matter. Families with older kids who don't mind a genuine hike will do well here; younger ones will likely grumble. The views from the top make the effort worthwhile, stretching across the Saddleworth Moor area and down towards the valley. On a misty day, you'll see almost nothing, so timing matters.

If you're staying at Dovestone Holiday Park just down the road, this is an obvious day out. The park sits close to good walking country, and Alphin Pike works brilliantly as a morning objective before lunch back at base. It's free to walk, obviously, and you can head out whenever suits you. The moorland is exposed though, so wind and weather change things quickly. Go early if you want reliable visibility. Bring water - there's nothing up there.