Cote Hill

The walk up Cote Hill from Harrogate takes about forty minutes if you're moving steadily, and the reward is a proper moorland summit with views that stretch across the Stray towards the Vale of York. On a clear day you can see for miles - it's the kind of vantage point that makes you understand why people settled in this corner of North Yorkshire. The hill itself is moorland rather than woodland, so there's little shade, which means it can feel exposed when the weather turns. Winter walks are bleak and brilliant. Spring brings the heather coming through.

This is solid rambling country, not a destination with facilities or a cafe at the top. You'll need decent boots and a map or phone navigation - the paths are decent but not always obvious. Most people allow an hour up and an hour back, though faster walkers do it in less. It's free to walk, which is the way these things should be.

For families with older kids who don't mind a proper hike, it works well. Smaller children might find the moorland repetitive. History enthusiasts won't find much up there - this is about the walk and the views rather than any particular story. If you're camping at Breaks Fold Farm Glamping nearby or based around Harrogate, Cote Hill is a worthwhile half-day outing. It's not dramatic or fashionable, but it's genuine moorland on the doorstep, and that counts for something.