Fleet Moss Tarn

Drive up into the high moorland south of Hawes and you'll find yourself at one of the Dales' quieter water spots - Fleet Moss Tarn sits at 540 metres, which means the air gets noticeably thinner and the sky considerably wider than down in the valleys. It's a small reservoir rather than a natural tarn, but that doesn't diminish the walk. The water is dark and still on most days, reflecting the fell-side around it with the kind of clarity you only get at altitude.

This is walker territory, pure and simple. You're looking at a modest two-hour circuit if you're taking your time, and the path is straightforward enough - boggy in places, firm in others depending on the weather. Families with older children will manage it fine. Younger ones might find it a bit bleak and exposed when the wind picks up, which it does.

The real appeal is the sense of solitude. You won't fight crowds here like you would at Malham or Aysgarth. On a clear day the views push south towards Pen-y-ghent. The tarn itself is functional rather than dramatic, but that's rather the point - it feels genuine.

Stablefell Holidays sits just 2.4 miles away and is rated exceptionally well, making it a natural base if you're after moorland walks without the fuss. The nearby Hawes Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite is another solid option at 4.2 miles. Allow an afternoon for this walk; mornings can be misty at this elevation.