Highwatch Currick

The walk up to Highwatch Currick from Bishop Auckland takes you onto proper high moorland - the sort of place where you suddenly remember why you moved to the North East in the first place. It's a modest peak by most standards, but the views across County Durham from the summit are genuinely worth the effort, especially on a clear day when you can pick out the industrial heritage of the region spreading out below.

This is walker territory, pure and simple. You're looking at a decent hike with some elevation gain, so it's not a casual family stroll - though older kids who don't mind a bit of effort will get a kick out of reaching the trig point and claiming the view as their own. The moorland itself is open and exposed, which means weather can change fast, so check conditions before you head out.

There's a trig pillar at the top - the sort of thing that appeals to serious walkers and geography enthusiasts. No visitor facilities up there, naturally. Allow a couple of hours for the round trip depending on your fitness and how long you linger at the top. Free to access, though parking arrangements will depend on where you start from.

If you're based at Westgate Caravan & Camping Site just outside Bishop Auckland, this makes a solid half-day outing that gets you out of the caravan park and into something properly wild. The moorland walking around here is underrated - it lacks the celebrity status of the Lake District peaks, which means fewer crowds and a more genuine sense of escape.