Fore Rigg

Fore Rigg is a proper fell walk rather than a destination you can drive to and admire from a car park. It rises sharply above Bishop Auckland, offering views across County Durham that stretch for miles when conditions are right. You're looking at moorland on the approach, then suddenly the fell itself - not enormous by Pennine standards, but steep enough to make you work for it.

The walk takes roughly two hours up and down from the nearest road access, so it's manageable for anyone with decent fitness. Families with younger kids might find it slow going because of the gradient, though teenagers who enjoy being outdoors will get a kick out of it. The views from the top are the real pull - on a clear day you can see across to the Pennines proper.

If you're staying at Westgate Caravan & Camping Site just five miles away, Fore Rigg makes an excellent half-day excursion. It's not a gentle stroll, so don't attempt it in poor weather or when the ground's waterlogged - it gets boggy. There's no visitor infrastructure up there, so bring what you need with you.

The fell works best for walkers who want something with a bit of bite without needing to drive hours into the Lake District or further north. It's close enough to Bishop Auckland for supplies before you head out, and it clears the head properly. Worth the effort, though not the most dramatic fell in the region.