Gibbet Hill

The walk up Gibbet Hill rewards you with proper views across the Knaresborough area - moorland rolling out in every direction, and on a clear day you can pick out the ruins of Knaresborough Castle in the valley below. It's a straightforward climb from the outskirts of town, nothing that'll leave you gasping, though the wind up there can be bracing year-round.

This is one for walkers who want a quick leg-stretch rather than an all-day expedition. Kids will manage it fine, and they usually enjoy the bit of height and the open space. The summit itself is modest - you're not standing on some dramatic rocky outcrop - but the panorama makes the effort worthwhile. Give it thirty to forty minutes there and back if you're moving at a reasonable pace.

The name comes from less cheerful times, though these days it's all about fresh air and views. Spring and autumn tend to be best when the light's at an angle and the crowds have thinned. Summer works too, though locals will tell you it can get muggy in the valley.

If you're staying at Knaresborough Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite or Harrogate Caravan Park, this fits nicely into a morning's exploring before heading elsewhere. The proximity to Knaresborough itself - proper historic town with castle ruins and riverside walks - means you won't be wasting time travelling. Pair it with the town centre and you've got a solid half-day sorted.