Great Whernside

Great Whernside sits at 2,415 feet and rewards you with views that stretch across three counties on a clear day. The walk from Kettlewell - a proper fell walk, mind you, not a Sunday stroll - takes roughly three hours up and back, following the gill before climbing the open moorland. You'll earn every inch of that elevation gain.

Walkers and peak baggers absolutely thrive here. The route is well-trodden but demands respect, especially in poor visibility or wet conditions. If you're after dramatic landscapes and don't mind a proper leg-burner, this delivers. Families with older teenagers who can handle the pace will manage it fine, though younger kids might find the higher sections tedious without a summit lodge to aim for.

There's no charge, obviously - it's a mountain. Allow at least four hours if you're not a regular hillwalker, possibly five if you're taking photographs or stopping for lunch at the top. Autumn and early summer are best; avoid it in deep winter unless you're experienced on snowy fell.

Staying at Wharfedale Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite near Skipton gives you a solid base for exploring the Dales. Kettlewell itself is a small village with a pub and café for refueling afterwards. Pair this walk with the easier riverside paths lower down the Wharfe for a proper week of varied hiking.