Bolton Haw

Bolton Haw is one of those peaks that rewards a bit of effort without demanding a full expedition up a fell. It sits just a few miles north of Skipton, accessible from Bolton Abbey Estate if you're staying at their caravan site, or via pleasant woodland trails that wind up from the valley floor.

The walk itself is straightforward enough - nothing technical, just a steady climb through mixed woodland before you pop out onto open moorland. The views from the top sweep across Wharfedale, proper expansive stuff. On a clear day you can see right across the Dales, and the light changes constantly depending on what the clouds are doing.

It's ideal for families who don't fancy anything too strenuous but still want to feel like they've achieved something. Walkers doing a longer route through the Dales often build Bolton Haw into their day - it's not a lengthy detour. The round trip from Bolton Abbey takes roughly two hours at a steady pace, though you could easily spend longer pottering about at the top or exploring the old stone walls.

Timing-wise, spring and early summer are lovely when the moorland's not waterlogged, though honestly any season works if the weather's playing ball. Given the nearby caravan parks - Wharfedale Caravan Club and Howgill Lodge are both close - you could make it part of a broader Dales exploration. It's the sort of walk that feels proper rewarding without eating up your whole day.