Crag Hill

The walk up Crag Hill from Clitheroe is steep, proper steep, but the views across the Ribble Valley make the heavy legs worthwhile. It's not a massive peak - you're looking at around 400 metres - but it feels bigger than that because the climb is relentless and the landscape opens up as you go higher.

Most walkers tackle this as part of the broader Bowland area, which makes sense. The hill itself takes about an hour to summit if you're moving at a decent pace, then another hour down. From the top you get the full sweep of Lancashire moorland, with Pendle Hill visible on clear days. It's the sort of walk that justifies stopping for chips in Clitheroe afterwards.

Families with older kids (say, ten plus) will find it manageable, though younger ones might struggle with the gradient. If your clan prefers gentler terrain, the lower valleys around here are less punishing. Walkers and hillbaggers absolutely should do this - it's proper Pennine country without the crowds of Pendle.

There's no facility on the hill itself, so bring water. Spring and early summer are best - the ground dries out better and you can actually see where you're putting your feet. Cross Lane Caravan Park sits closest if you're basing yourself locally, though all the nearby sites have reasonable access to the main walking routes.

It's not a tourism trap. It's just a hill that needs climbing, and that's exactly why it's worth your time.