Blaythorn Hill

The walk up Blaythorn Hill from Ripon isn't what you'd call challenging - it's a steady climb rather than a proper slog - but the views across North Yorkshire make the effort worthwhile. On a clear day you can see right across to the Pennines, and the surrounding moorland rolls out in every direction like someone's thrown a green blanket over the landscape.

It's the kind of spot walkers love because it doesn't demand hours of your time. Most people will knock out the walk in ninety minutes, maybe two hours if you factor in a breather at the top and a few photos. The moorland terrain is typical Yorkshire - bracken and grass underfoot, patches of exposed stone when the weather's been rough. It's proper exposed when the wind gets up though, so bring layers even when it looks calm from below.

Families with older kids will manage it fine. Younger ones might struggle with the steady gradient, and it's the kind of place where once you're committed, you're committed - there's nowhere to duck out halfway. History buffs won't find much to get excited about, but walkers and anyone after a genuine moorland experience will rate it highly.

If you're based at Woodhouse Farm Holiday Park nearby, this makes an excellent morning walk before heading into Ripon itself. There's nothing to buy up there, no facilities - just you, the hill, and some genuinely impressive views. Start early to dodge any afternoon cloud.