Great Pinseat

Great Pinseat sits at 1,959 feet above the Pennine moorland near Barnard Castle, and on a clear day the walk up there rewards you properly. It's not a dramatic summit - no dramatic rock formations or sudden drops - but the approach from the south across open fell is genuinely pleasant, and the views across Teesdale and towards the Lake District fells make the climb worthwhile.

The path itself is reasonably well-trodden, though it gets boggy in places after rain. Allow two to three hours for a round trip from nearby villages. This is walker territory - the sort of outing that appeals to those who like a decent stride across moorland without scrambling or technical climbing. Families with older children will manage it fine, though younger legs might find it heavy going.

There's nothing up there except the trig point and the view, which is precisely the point. No café, no visitor centre, no interpretive boards. You're rewarded for the effort with space and silence. Come when the weather's decent - the moor can close in quickly, and on a grey day it's rather bleak.

If you're staying at Usha Gap Farm & Campsite nearby, this makes a solid morning or afternoon expedition without feeling like a major undertaking. The moorland landscape connects you to the walking culture of the Pennines in a way that easier trails don't quite manage.