Cowen Brow

The walk up Cowen Brow from Hawes is steep and fairly relentless, but the reward at the top justifies the climb. You're looking at roughly 45 minutes of solid uphill walking - nothing technical, just a proper leg-burner that builds steadily through moorland. The views across Wensleydale open up gradually as you gain height, and by the summit you've got sweeping views across the valley and the surrounding fells that make the huffing and puffing worthwhile.

It's the kind of walk that appeals to experienced walkers rather than casual strollers. Kids will find it tough unless they're used to the hills - the gradient doesn't really relent, and there's not much to break up the walk with. But if you've got teenagers who can manage a three-mile round trip with elevation gain, they'll feel genuinely accomplished at the top.

Start early if you're going in summer, as the exposed moorland offers little shelter from the sun. Winter brings its own challenges - the path can get boggy, and the wind cuts across the open ground without mercy. Allow a couple of hours including the descent.

Stay at Stablefell Holidays, just 2.8 miles away, and you've got a proper base for exploring the wider Wensleydale fells. The nearby campsites all have decent reviews, making it easy to string together several valley walks without moving camp.