Fendrith Hill

You'll find Fendrith Hill rising up near Bishop Auckland, a proper fell walk that rewards the climb with genuine views across County Durham. It's not a mountain - more a confident hill with attitude - but the trigonometry station at the top marks a fine vantage point over the surrounding moorland and dales.

The walk itself takes a reasonable couple of hours depending on your fitness and how many times you stop to catch your breath. It's the sort of place where you get to feel like you've actually walked somewhere rather than ambled round a car park. The ground can be boggy after rain, so waterproofs aren't optional. On a clear day the views across the North East are substantial enough to make the effort worthwhile.

Walkers will get the most out of this one - it's not a casual stroll, but it's not technically demanding either. Families with energetic teenagers would manage fine; younger kids might find the trudge less appealing unless they're already keen on fell walking. The peak itself is quiet, which is either a plus or a minus depending on whether you came here to think or to chat.

It costs nothing to walk it, and there's no fixed time you need to spend at the top. Early morning or late afternoon light works best if you've got a camera. Fendrith works brilliantly as a half-day activity while staying at either Westgate Caravan & Camping Site or White House & Hagg Bridge Caravan Park - both within easy driving distance. Pair it with a poke around Bishop Auckland town itself and you've got a proper day out.