Annie's ashes

The name alone stops you in your tracks - Annie's Ashes isn't what you'd expect from a nature reserve near Skipton. It's a small but genuinely rewarding pocket of woodland and moorland that local walkers know well, though it rarely makes the tourist radar.

What you get is proper open country. The reserve sits on the edge of the Yorkshire Dales proper, offering good views across the moorland and enough tree cover to make it feel separate from the world. There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of - just access to walking trails that range from gentle woodland ambles to proper moorland hikes. The paths are well-trodden but never feel crowded.

It's ideal for walkers who want something quieter than the honeypots around Bolton Abbey (just five miles south) without needing to commit to a full day's expedition. An hour or two here works perfectly - enough to clear your head and get some decent views without the exhaustion. Families with young kids might find it a bit exposed on windy days, but older children who can manage uneven ground will enjoy it.

If you're based at one of the nearby glamping spots like Coxons Farm or Bolton Abbey's caravan site, it's well worth the short drive. The best approach is to visit on a clear day - the views justify the trip, and the moorland proper kicks in beyond the woodland.

Bringing a packed lunch is sensible. There's nowhere to eat once you're in.