Castle Hill

The walk up Castle Hill from Clitheroe takes about twenty minutes and rewards you with proper views across the Ribble Valley. There's a Norman keep at the top - just a tower, really, but it's genuinely striking once you're up there, and it changes how you see the landscape below. The hill itself is the draw though. It's steep enough to work your lungs a bit, but nothing technical or dangerous. Kids will manage it fine if they're used to walking, though younger ones might need carrying on the way back.

On a clear day the outlook is worth the effort. You get the valley spread out in front of you, the fells beyond, and on bad-weather days you'll at least understand why someone planted a castle here in the first place. The walk is free, and there's a car park at the base. Allow an hour return trip if you're not rushing.

It slots in nicely with the wider Ribble Valley. Clitheroe itself has cafes and shops for supplies, and if you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Hedgerow Luxury Glamping is closest at under three miles, or Peaks and Pods if you want something a bit different - you've got a proper short walk that doesn't demand half your day. Better in autumn or spring when it's not baking hot on the climb.