Groove Gill Rigg

The walk up Groove Gill Rigg rewards you with views across Wharfedale that make the effort genuinely worthwhile. It's a proper Yorkshire fell rather than a dramatic peak - the sort of place where you feel like you've climbed something without needing climbing gear or hours of scrambling.

The route follows the gill upwards through moorland, and the landscape shifts as you gain height. On a clear day you can see across to Pen-y-ghent and the broader Pennine skyline. The fell itself is moorland and grass underfoot, nothing technical. Most walkers will manage this in two to three hours depending on fitness and how often you stop to breathe.

It's ideal for hill walkers wanting something substantive but not gruelling - families with teenagers who don't mind a decent slope will enjoy it too. You'll want decent boots and waterproofs; North Yorkshire weather changes fast. There's no admission fee or facilities on the fell itself, so bring water and a packed lunch.

Based near Skipton, you're well-positioned to combine this with other Wharfedale walks. The campsite options - Wharfedale Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite and Wood Nook just outside town - make it easy to spend a few days exploring the valley properly. Howgill Lodge offers a different style if you prefer something less utilitarian. The fell works as part of a wider walking holiday, not as a standalone afternoon out. Go on a settled day and you'll understand why people keep coming back to the Dales.