Green Bank

The walk up Green Bank from Northallerton takes you through proper Yorkshire countryside, climbing steadily until you're standing on moorland with views that stretch across the Tees Valley. It's not a dramatic peak - more of a solid upland plateau than a summit - but that's rather the point. You get the sense of real height without the scrambling nonsense.

The route itself is straightforward, mostly following footpaths and farm tracks. Allow a good two hours for the round trip if you're not rushing, longer if you want to linger at the top. The views are best on a clear day, obviously, though even in murk the walk itself is pleasant enough. Walkers will appreciate the lack of crowds and the genuine sense of achievement when you reach the higher ground.

Families with older kids will manage it fine, though younger ones might find the plateau a bit underwhelming after the climb - there's not much to do up there besides look around. Bring a packed lunch if you want to make an afternoon of it. The exposed moorland can get blowy, so proper kit matters.

If you're based at Whorlton Pods or Cote Ghyll, both within five miles, this makes an easy morning excursion before heading elsewhere. It's the kind of walk that doesn't demand a full day but gives you genuine moorland air without driving far from Northallerton. Honest rather than showy - very much how Yorkshire does things.