Howgate Head

The walk up Howgate Head from Hawes is proper steep, but the effort pays off once you're standing on top with views across Wensleydale stretching out in every direction. It's not a complicated route - most people tackle it as a straight up-and-back affair, which takes around two hours if you're moving at a decent pace without stopping.

You get real moorland walking here rather than the gentler valley paths. The terrain's boggy in places, especially after rain, so decent boots matter. The summit itself isn't dramatic - no cairn, no shelter, just open moorland and that view. On a clear day you can see proper far. On a cloudy one, you're in the clouds, which is its own experience.

Walkers will get the most from this one, especially those who've done a few other Wensleydale peaks and want something with a bit more of a pull to it. Kids might find the steep gradient tough, though teenagers who like a proper hike won't mind. It's the kind of walk you do on a crisp autumn morning, not in summer heat.

Stablefell Holidays and Campsite sits just 2.4 miles away in Hawes itself - rated excellent and a solid base for exploring the valley's walks. From there you can tackle Howgate Head as a half-day trip, then spend the rest of the afternoon in Hawes town itself or pushing further afield to Pen-y-ghent or other peaks. The combination works well for a week's walking holiday.