Halton Hill

The walk up Halton Hill takes you past Lancaster's outskirts and onto moorland that feels properly remote despite being barely a mile from town. It's not tall - nothing like the big Lake District peaks you might be expecting - but the views back towards Lancaster and down the Lune Valley make it worth the climb. On a clear day you can see right across to the Pennines. The ascent takes maybe 20-30 minutes if you're not rushing, and it's steep enough to feel like actual exercise without being exhausting.

Walkers will get the most from Halton Hill, especially those who don't fancy battling crowds at more famous summits. The surrounding moorland is good for pottering about, and you can extend your walk in almost any direction. Families with older kids will manage it fine; little ones might find the climb tedious. There's no cafe or facilities at the top, so bring water.

If you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks - Crook O'Lune is barely over the road - it's an obvious morning walk. Combine it with a proper day out in Lancaster town centre or a longer hike through the wider moorland. It costs nothing and you can do it any time. The best light is either early morning or late afternoon when the sun catches the valley properly. Avoid midday when the ground gets baked and the view washes out.