Black Law

At 1,621 metres, Black Law is County Durham's second-highest peak, and getting to the summit involves a proper walk across bleak moorland that feels genuinely isolated despite being relatively close to Bishop Auckland. On a clear day you can see for miles - the Pennines roll out in every direction, and on the eastern horizon you catch glimpses towards the coast. The walk itself isn't technically difficult, but it's exposed and windswept, so come prepared for changeable weather.

The appeal is straightforward: you're after the views and that satisfying feeling of having earned them. Families with older kids (nine upwards) will manage it fine if they're decent walkers, but younger children might find the moorland stretch tedious without a clear endpoint visible. History buffs will note the Bronze Age cairn at the summit - it's modest but a tangible link to ancient journeys across these hills.

There's no infrastructure at Black Law itself - no café, no visitor centre, just the moor and the view. Allow two to three hours for a decent walk depending on your fitness. Head up in the morning when visibility is likely best. It's free to access, as is the case with most UK peaks.

The nearby caravan parks at Westgate and White House & Hagg Bridge both offer solid bases for a moorland-focused break. From either site you're well-positioned for walking across the Pennine heights, with Black Law making a logical half-day excursion alongside exploring Weardale or heading toward Cross Fell further west.