Haw Hill

The walk up Haw Hill from Skipton takes about forty minutes at a steady pace, climbing through open moorland that gets progressively wilder the higher you go. You're looking at roughly 300 metres of ascent, which is properly steep in sections but nothing that demands specialist kit or experience. The reward is a genuinely commanding view across Wharfedale - on a clear day you can see the Pennines rolling away in layer after layer of green and purple.

It's the kind of walk that suits families with older children and anyone who wants a proper sense of elevation without committing to a full fell-walking expedition. You won't spend more than two hours total, which means it's ideal if you're based at Wharfedale Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite or Wood Nook just down the road. Both sites are excellent, and having a half-day walk like this on your itinerary prevents that restless mid-week slump.

The path itself is well-trodden but can get boggy after rain - good boots are worth it. There's nothing commercial up there, no café or shelter, so bring water. The views aren't dramatically different from other Pennine vantage points, if I'm honest, but the relative accessibility and the quick turnaround time make it better value than some longer hikes in the area. Go on a weekday morning if you can - summer weekends draw the crowds.