Great Black Hill

Great Black Hill rewards walkers willing to push past Richmond, the market town that serves as the nearest jumping-off point. At 1,063 metres, it's not Helvellyn, but the pull up from the surrounding moorland feels earnest and unforgiving on a bad-weather day. The views from the summit sweep across the Pennines toward Scotland on a clear morning, which is worth timing your visit around if you can.

This is proper fell territory rather than a tourist attraction with facilities. You won't find a café or visitor centre, just heather, grass, and the occasional fell runner charging past. The walk itself takes anywhere from two to four hours depending on your starting point and fitness level. Most people come from the Richmond side, and it's moderately steep in places - fine for anyone with reasonable hill legs, but children under eight might find it a slog.

Historia enthusiasts won't find castle ruins or Iron Age forts up here, just the geology and solitude of the high moors. Walkers, though, will absolutely get their money's worth. If you're based at Gillcumber Glamping Pods down the valley, it makes an excellent half-day outing before returning for an evening drink.

Go on a weekday if possible. Weekends bring enough foot traffic to strip the quietness away, and that's rather the point of coming here in the first place.