Banner Hill

The walk up Banner Hill from Barnoldswick is straightforward enough - nothing that'll have you gasping for breath, but the climb does feel real enough when you're halfway up. It's moorland walking, proper fell country, with views that open out across Lancashire as you gain height. The peak itself sits at around 1,100 feet, which means on a clear day you can see across to the Forest of Bowland and beyond. Not dramatic in the Alpine sense, but genuinely rewarding.

This is walker territory, full stop. If you're staying at one of the nearby campsites - Thornton Hall or Draughton Heights are both within striking distance - it makes a solid half-day outing. Bring a map though; the moorland paths aren't always obvious, and Lancashire weather can turn quickly. Most people spend two to three hours on the fell, though you could easily stretch that if you're the sort who likes to sit on a ridge with a flask and watch the light change.

It's not a tourist attraction with facilities or interpretation boards. There's no café at the top, no gift shop, no car park right at the trailhead. That's actually what makes it worth doing. Families with older kids who can manage uneven ground will get something from it; younger ones might find it a bit tedious. History enthusiasts won't find much to linger over either, unless you're interested in the industrial heritage of the valleys below.

Go in spring or autumn when the weather's more stable and you've got decent daylight hours. Summer weekends bring the crowds.