Aynhams Hill

Standing at 299 metres, this modest hill northeast of Clitheroe offers surprisingly good views across the Ribble Valley without the crowds that swamp Pendle Hill. The walk up is gentle enough for most families, though the final stretch gets a bit steep through bracken and rough grass.

From the top, you'll see the Forest of Bowland stretching north and Pendle Hill dominating the eastern horizon. It's not spectacular, but on a clear day it's well worth the hour's round trip from the nearest parking spot. The summit itself is unremarkable - just a grassy mound with no trig point - but that's rather the point.

Walkers looking for a quick leg-stretch will find this fits the bill perfectly. Families with older children (say, eight and up) should manage fine, though toddlers might struggle with the final ascent. There's no defined path to the top, so you'll need decent boots if it's been wet.

For those staying at nearby parks like Holgates Ribble Valley or Thornton Hall Country Park, it makes a decent morning jaunt before heading into Clitheroe for lunch. The climb takes about 30 minutes up, 20 down, and parking is free along the quiet lanes below. Best avoided in thick mist when navigation becomes tricky.