Hare Hill

The walk up Hare Hill rewards you with proper views across County Durham's rolling countryside - nothing dramatic, but on a clear day you can see for miles. It's a modest peak that won't take long, which is exactly why it works well as a half-day outing from Bishop Auckland.

The climb itself is straightforward enough. Most people manage it in under an hour depending on fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath or fiddle with a map. The summit isn't particularly high, so don't expect Alpine-style scrambling - it's more a steady walk through farmland that gets progressively better as you gain height. Bring decent boots though; it gets boggy after rain.

History buffs might note the Iron Age fort remains up here, though honestly there's not much to see unless you know what you're looking for. Walkers will appreciate the straightforward route and the lack of crowds, while kids can burn energy without needing mountaineering skills. It's the sort of walk you fit in between breakfast and lunch.

If you're based at Mickleton Mill or Leekworth Caravan Park - both strong five-star spots just four or five miles away - this works perfectly as a morning jaunt. Park near the base, walk up, admire the view, come back for a proper lunch. Weather permitting, it's a solid little outing. Nothing to overthink.