Birk Hat Hills

A proper woodland walk rather than a destination in itself, Birk Hat Hills sits just outside Barnard Castle and gives you exactly what it says on the tin - tree-covered slopes with decent views across County Durham when you reach the higher points. The forest floor is soft underfoot, which is lovely after a stretch of road walking, and there are enough varied paths to keep things interesting without needing a degree in navigation.

Walkers will get the most out of this one. Families with younger kids might find it a bit samey after 20 minutes unless they're the type who enjoy hunting for sticks and collecting moss. The trails aren't marked with any official signage that I could spot, so go with a map or download offline if you're relying on your phone. You can be in and out in under an hour for a casual loop, or stretch it to two hours if you're taking your time and exploring the different levels.

Timing-wise, spring and autumn probably trump summer - too muggy in July and August, and winter can get boggy. It's free to roam, which is always a bonus. The real value here is as a leg-stretcher between other Teesdale explorations. Base yourself at one of the caravan parks near Barnard Castle - Mickleton Mill or Leekworth are closest at just over four miles - and use Birk Hat Hills as a morning walk before heading into town or tackling bigger hikes in the valley proper. It's the sort of place that rounds out a day rather than defines it.