Crook Hill

The walk up Crook Hill rewards you with proper panoramic views across Teesdale and beyond - assuming the weather plays ball. It's a straightforward ascent from near Barnard Castle, taking the best part of an hour to reach the top depending on your pace and how many times you stop to catch your breath.

Once you're up there, the views are genuinely excellent. You can see right across the valley, and on clear days the visibility stretches far enough to make the effort worthwhile. The fell itself isn't dramatic or particularly high, but that's rather the point - it's accessible without being trivial, the sort of walk that satisfies without leaving you knackered.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not a destination that requires hours of your time, and there's nothing to actually do once you arrive except stand about and admire the scenery. Kids might find the ascent a bit of a slog if they're young, though older ones will manage fine. History enthusiasts won't find much here - it's purely about the landscape.

If you're staying at one of the caravan parks dotted around the area - Leekworth or Mickleton Mill are closest, both within a couple of miles - this makes a decent afternoon outing. Pair it with a wander around Barnard Castle town itself and you've got a solid day sorted. Allow two hours total if you're taking it leisurely and want time to sit about at the top with a flask.