Bilsdale West Moor

The walk up Bilsdale West Moor rewards you with proper 360-degree views across the North York Moors - the kind that make you understand why people come back to this corner of Yorkshire year after year. It's not the highest peak around, but the moorland plateau gives you enough perspective to see for miles on clear days, with the radio mast at the summit serving as an oddly useful landmark.

This is walker territory through and through. The approach from the valley floor is steady rather than punishing, taking somewhere between 90 minutes and two hours depending on your pace and which route you fancy. The moorland itself is open and windswept - bring proper kit because weather can turn quickly up here. On a grey day it feels properly moody; on a clear one it's magnificent. Kids will find it engaging enough if they're used to moorland walks, though younger ones might flag before the summit.

The nearest base is Northallerton, about 20 minutes' drive away, though you'll get better value staying closer to the moor itself. Both Cote Ghyll Caravan Park and Whorlton Pods sit within striking distance - proper spots for a longer moor holiday. Combine this with walks around Helmsley or daysacks to Rievaulx Abbey and you've got a solid few days mapped out.

Worth doing? If you're already in the area, absolutely. Don't make a special trip just for this one, but factor it into a broader North York Moors itinerary and it'll slot in nicely.