Dismal Hill

The name's a bit misleading - there's nothing dismal about this Yorkshire fell at all. Dismal Hill rises to 404 metres near Settle and delivers one of those proper rewarding walks that doesn't require mountaineering skills or half a day of your life. The climb itself is straightforward, grassland most of the way, and the views across Ribblesdale open up brilliantly once you gain height. On a clear day you're looking out over the Pennines with real depth to it - layers of fells rolling away. The walk takes about two hours return depending on your pace and where you start from, which makes it ideal for anyone staying nearby without wanting to commit to something serious.

For families with older kids or reasonably fit walkers, this hits the sweet spot. It's not a technical scramble, no exposure to worry about, and the sense of accomplishment is genuine. History types won't find much on the hill itself, but the landscape tells you everything about the Yorkshire dales - you're walking through proper working farming country.

If you're based at Ribblesdale Pods or Philpin Farm Campsite, both just a few miles away, this becomes a natural half-day outing. Pair it with a wander round Settle itself afterwards and you've got a solid day sorted. There's no visitor facility on the hill itself - it's a straightforward walk, so go early if weekends are busy. Spring and early summer are best; the weather can turn quickly in winter.