Banks Hill

Banks Hill isn't a headline-grabber, but it's a proper little walk from Skipton that rewards you with decent views across the Pennines on a clear day. The summit itself is modest - moorland rather than dramatic - but the journey up gets you away from the crowds that clog the more famous peaks in the region. You're looking at roughly an hour up and back depending on your fitness, mostly on well-trodden paths that can turn boggy after rain, so good boots matter here.

It's the sort of place that works best for people who actually enjoy walking rather than those after a quick photo opportunity. Families with older kids will manage it fine, though younger ones might find the end stretch tedious. The views justify the effort - on a decent day you get a proper sense of where you are in the Pennine landscape, with moorland rolling out in most directions. There's no café at the top, so bring a flask and a snack if you're planning to linger.

Given its proximity to Skipton, Banks Hill slots nicely into a broader walking holiday. If you're staying at Thornton Hall Country Park just 2.9 miles away, it's an ideal half-day outing that doesn't require driving. The nearby glamping options at Deerstone or Hedgerow offer more comfortable bases if you're mixing walks with proper accommodation. Hit it on a weekday morning if you can - weekends bring more foot traffic, and the path gets a bit worn.