Benny Seat

Getting to Benny Seat means a proper walk, but from Bishop Auckland it's worth the leg work. This is a fell walk destination rather than a drive-up viewpoint - you're looking at something in the region of an hour's climb depending on your fitness and which route you take up. The reward is a high point with views across County Durham that stretch for miles on a clear day. You get that sense of space you don't always find in the south, moorland spreading out in all directions.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not a casual stroll - bring proper boots and check the weather before you set off. The ground can be boggy in places and the wind picks up properly at height. An afternoon trip makes sense unless you're desperate to catch the sunset, and in winter you'll need to be careful with daylight hours.

Historically it's associated with an old mining area, which adds a layer to the landscape if you know what you're looking for. The fell itself is straightforward to navigate, no scrambling required, just steady climbing. Allow two to three hours for the round trip if you're not rushing.

Westgate Caravan & Camping Site sits five or six miles away near Bishop Auckland - a decent base if you're planning a few days walking in the area. The site gets solid reviews and gives you access to several good walks in the region. Benny Seat works as part of a longer hiking weekend rather than a standalone half-hour stop.