Halton Height

The walk up Halton Height rewards you with one of those views that makes you forget why you were moaning about the climb. It's a proper fell, nothing too technical, but steep enough that you'll feel like you've earned the summit. From the top you get sprawling views across Wharfedale and out toward Pendle Hill - on a clear day the reach is genuinely impressive.

This one's best suited to walkers with some fitness and a bit of navigational sense. Kids can do it, but they'll need the mood to be right and reasonable legs. Allow two to three hours for the round trip depending on your pace and which route you fancy. It's free, obviously - it's a hillside. The terrain varies between field paths and proper moorland, so decent boots matter.

You'll find it accessible from Skipton, which is well-placed for a wider walking holiday in the Dales. If you're camping nearby - Bolton Abbey Estate Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite is barely two miles away, or Catgill Farm even closer - then Halton Height works as a half-day outing between longer walks. The best approach is from the Halton village area, and early morning or late afternoon light makes the photography worth the trip alone.

Weather matters here more than most walks; low cloud can reduce the whole experience to nothing. Pick a decent day and you'll understand why people keep coming back.