Bleaky Hill

The walk up Bleaky Hill from Thirsk takes about forty minutes if you're moving at a decent pace, and the name doesn't do it any favours - there's nothing bleak about it once you reach the top. The views across North Yorkshire properly open up from here, with the Hambleton Hills rolling away in one direction and the Vale of York spreading out flat and generous below. It's the kind of viewpoint that makes the leg-work feel justified.

This is walker territory, pure and simple. The ascent is steady rather than brutal, manageable for anyone with reasonable fitness, and the paths are well-trodden enough that you won't lose your way. Families with older kids would manage fine, though younger ones might grumble about the climb. If you're camping at Hillside Caravan Park down near Thirsk, it's an excellent morning outing - get up early, avoid the midday heat, and be back for lunch.

There's no visitor centre or facilities up top, so take water and something to eat. The real appeal is the walking and the views rather than any buildings or attractions. Allow a couple of hours round-trip if you want a proper wander, or just under an hour if you're pushing straight to the summit. On a clear day it's genuinely worth the trip; on a misty one, save yourself the bother and explore the lower paths instead. Free to access, obviously, and it works well as part of a wider walking holiday in the Thirsk area.