Force Hill

You'll need decent legs to get up Force Hill, but the walk from Bishop Auckland is one of those proper rewarding slogs that makes you feel like you've earned the view. It's a straightforward fell climb - nothing technical, just steady gradient and a bit of huffing if you're not used to moorland walks. The summit itself isn't dramatic or particularly high by Lake District standards, but the panorama across County Durham opens up nicely once you're up there, and on a clear day you can see across the Pennines.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's not a quick ten-minute leg-stretch - allow a couple of hours there and back depending on fitness. Families with younger kids might find it a slog for limited payoff, though older children who enjoy moorland rambling will be fine. There's nothing but grass and sky at the top, so don't expect a café or facilities. It's free, obviously - it's a hill.

If you're camping at Westgate Caravan & Camping Site just outside Bishop Auckland, Force Hill makes an excellent morning or afternoon outing. Pair it with a wander through Bishop Auckland itself to break up the day. The walk works best in drier months when the path isn't boggy, and early start times mean you'll avoid the afternoon mist that often rolls in across the moorland.