Grindstone Hill

The walk up Grindstone Hill from Harrogate is short enough to fit between breakfast and lunch, but steep enough to remind your legs you're doing actual exercise. It's not a dramatic peak - Yorkshire doesn't do drama - but the view back down towards the town and across the Stray is genuinely worth the climb. Twenty minutes of proper huffing and puffing gets you there, depending on which route you take.

Walkers will find this one satisfying rather than gruelling. The hill itself is modest, but that's rather the point. Families with kids who've outgrown the pushchair will manage it fine, though toddlers might find it a slog. On a clear day you can see right across to the Pennines, which makes the effort feel worthwhile.

The real appeal here is how close it is to Harrogate's amenities. After your climb, you can head straight into town for proper coffee and cake, or combine it with a longer day on the Stray. If you're staying at nearby Howgill Lodge, this is an excellent morning activity - close enough not to eat up your whole day, but proper enough to feel like you've actually done something outdoors. Go early to beat the afternoon crowds, especially on weekends. Free to access, naturally, and there's no official time restriction.