Bell's Hill

The walk up Bell's Hill rewards you with proper views across County Durham's moorland - the kind of vista that makes the climb worthwhile on a clear day. It's a straightforward fell walk rather than a technical scramble, so most people with decent fitness can manage it without drama. From the summit, you get sight lines toward Bishop Auckland and across the surrounding Pennine landscape, which shifts colour with the seasons.

This is walker territory, full stop. Don't come expecting facilities or refreshments at the top - there's nothing there. It's a genuine hill walk, which is precisely why it works. You're looking at a couple of hours round trip depending on your pace and which route you take, so factor that into your day. The ground can get boggy after rain, so proper boots are sensible.

If you're basing yourself at one of the caravan parks nearby - Stanhope's Belle Vue Farm sits just 2.7 miles away - Bell's Hill makes an excellent half-day excursion. It's close enough to the accommodation that you won't spend half your morning driving, but far enough removed from the everyday that it feels like proper countryside. Combine it with exploring the wider Weardale area or the nearby Stanhope Castle ruins if you've got a full day, but the hill itself is the thing. No gift shop, no car park nonsense, just a straightforward walk and a decent outlook. That's the appeal.