Bow Hill Head

The walk up Bow Hill Head takes you through proper moorland country just south of Barnard Castle, and once you've hauled yourself to the summit, the views across Teesdale are genuinely worth the effort. It's not a massive peak - you're looking at around 430 metres - but the terrain is steep enough that you'll feel like you've earned it.

The ground underfoot shifts between heather, rough grass, and boggy patches depending on the season and recent rainfall. Bring decent boots. On a clear day the panorama stretches across the valley floor towards High Cup Nick and the Pennine ridges beyond, though I'll be honest - if the cloud rolls in, there's not much to see but moorland repetition. The summit itself is a bit underwhelming - no cairn or proper marker, just the highest point of a rolling hillside. Still, stand there long enough and you'll understand why walkers keep coming back.

This is walker territory, full stop. Families with young kids will find the steep ascent tedious, and it's not the sort of place you potter about for hours. Allow 90 minutes return from the nearest approach. The nearest town is Barnard Castle, and if you're staying at one of the local campsites - The Old Armoury or Teesdale Barnard Castle are both within striking distance - this works as a solid morning out before heading into town for lunch. It's free to access, as moorland usually is. Go when the weather's settled. There's nothing worse than climbing through drizzle to reach a viewpoint you can't actually see.