Cow Hill

The walk up Cow Hill from Settle takes about forty minutes if you're moving at a decent pace, and the payoff is genuinely worth the climb. It's not dramatic - you won't find yourself scrambling over rocks or anything - but the views across Ribblesdale are proper expansive once you reach the summit. The Yorkshire Dales spread out in front of you, those green valleys rolling away toward distant ridges, and on a clear day you can pick out the limestone formations that make this corner of the Pennines so distinctive.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's straightforward enough that families with older kids can manage it without drama, though younger children might find the slog tedious. The path is well-trodden and doesn't require any special equipment, just decent boots and the sense to check the weather first.

If you're staying at Ribblesdale Pods or The Dalesbridge Campsite just down the road, Cow Hill makes a logical half-day outing - close enough that you're not spending hours driving, far enough that it feels like a proper expedition. The Dalesbridge sits only 5.6 miles away, making it especially convenient. Orcaber Farm, at 6.1 miles, works just as well if you're based there instead. There's no charge to walk it, naturally, and you can knock the whole thing out in under three hours from start to finish. Go early or late afternoon to avoid the crowds and catch better light across the hills.