Intake Hill

The walk up Intake Hill from Kirkby Stephen is straightforward enough, but the payoff makes it worth the leg work. It's not a dramatic fell - nothing like the proper high peaks you'll find further west - but it gives you a proper vantage point over the Eden Valley and the Pennines beyond. On a clear day the views stretch far enough to make the climb feel worthwhile.

Most people won't spend more than an hour here. It's the kind of walk that appeals to families who want something achievable without the full day commitment, and to serious walkers passing through as part of a longer route. The route from Kirkby Stephen itself is gentle enough for older kids, though legs will feel it on the way down.

This is free walking country - no gates, no charges. Early morning or late afternoon light works best if you've got a camera. The fell can be muddy after rain, so proper boots matter.

If you're based at Gillcumber Glamping Pods just down the road, Intake Hill makes a cracking morning outing before heading elsewhere. It's close enough that you won't waste petrol on a short trip, but far enough that it feels like you've actually gone somewhere. Wild Rose Holiday Park is a bit further out, but still within easy reach for a late-afternoon walk if the weather stays decent. Kirkby Stephen itself is worth a wander afterwards - decent cafes and pubs for warming up.