Birks Fell

The walk up Birks Fell from Leyburn is straightforward enough, but the effort repays itself properly once you're up there. It's not particularly high - around 430 metres - but it's steep in places and the ground can be boggy, so decent boots matter. On a clear day the views across Wensleydale are genuinely excellent, with the valley laid out below you and the bulk of Penhill rising opposite.

This is walkers' territory, full stop. The summit itself is a bit sparse - no café, no facilities, just moorland and sky - so come prepared with water and snacks. Most people allow two hours return from the car park, though you can take it slower and explore the surrounding fell. The approach is best from the south, and it connects neatly with other local walks if you're staying in the area.

It's the kind of fell that works well as part of a longer day out rather than as a standalone trip. If you're based at Stablefell Holidays and Campsite just down the road, this makes an obvious half-day excursion. Families with older kids who don't mind a proper climb will get on with it, but younger ones might struggle with the bog and gradient. Spring and autumn are best - summer can be a bit boggy, and winter brings weather that makes the exposed sections unpleasant. The free access and lack of crowds make it feel properly wild, which is worth something.