Castle Hill

The climb up Castle Hill from Kirkby Stephen isn't particularly long, but it's steep enough that you'll feel it in your legs. What makes it worthwhile is the view once you crest the top - you get proper Pennine fell country stretched out all around, and on a clear day the visibility is genuinely impressive.

It's more of a local's walk than a tourist pilgrimage, which means you won't be jostling for space at the summit. The hill itself has Iron Age fort remains, though there's precious little to see on the ground these days - mostly just grassy humps and the knowledge that someone thought this spot was worth defending. If you're into archaeology or fell-top vistas, it's worth the effort. Kids will manage it fine, though younger ones might need encouraging on the steeper sections.

Allow a couple of hours including the walk up and time to linger at the top with a flask. It's free, obviously. Go on a weekday morning if you want it to yourself, and avoid it when the cloud's down - you won't see anything worth the walk.

If you're staying at Gillcumber Glamping Pods nearby, this makes a solid morning outing before heading back for lunch. It pairs well with exploring Kirkby Stephen's market town charm or tackling other walks in the area. The Pennine Way runners past close by too, if you fancy combining it with other fell routes.