Cow Hill

The walk up Cow Hill near Barnard Castle is straightforward enough - nothing technical, just a steady climb that takes about 20 minutes from the base. What makes it worth your time is the view across Teesdale once you're up there. On a clear day you get proper panoramic stuff: the valley spreads out below, green fields rolling away, and if you're lucky the light hits it just right and it looks almost dramatic. It's not a peak that'll exhaust you, which is precisely why families should bother with it. Kids won't complain about the slog, and the open moorland at the top gives them room to burn off energy without much risk.

The summit itself is modest - no cairn or formal marker, just high ground with decent views. You could spend 20 minutes up there taking photos or just sit and eat a sandwich. The real value is as part of a wider walk around the area rather than a standalone destination. If you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Leekworth, Mickleton Mill, or Hill Top Huts - it makes a natural morning outing before heading into Barnard Castle for lunch. The town's only a few miles off, so logistically it slots in perfectly with a park holiday.

Go when the weather's settled. Rain here means mist, and you'll lose the whole point of climbing. Autumn's your best bet - the light's warm and the crowds are non-existent. Free to access, no facilities at the top, so bring water. Not spectacular enough to plan a trip around, but absolutely worth doing if you're already in the area.