Jackdaw Hill

The walk up Jackdaw Hill from Settle is a proper little gem if you're after something straightforward without the crowds. It's not a massive undertaking - the peak sits just north of town, making it ideal for an afternoon outing when the weather's decent. The views across Ribblesdale open up as you climb, and on a clear day you can see why the Dales pull people back year after year.

This is walker territory, straightforward enough for families with older kids but not so easy you'll be bored. The paths are well-trodden and the gradient manageable, though it can be boggy underfoot after rain so decent boots matter. Most people will spend a couple of hours here including the walk up, a bit of mooching about at the top, and the descent.

Settle itself is the jumping-off point - a market town with proper character, good cafes, and enough going on to make it worth basing yourself for a day or two. Couple this with a visit to Ribblesdale Pods just 1.7 miles out if you fancy glamping, or any of the other campsites dotted around - Philpin Farm and Orcaber Farm are within shouting distance and offer proper campsite experience without the faffing about.

Go early if you can. The light's better and you'll likely have the hilltop to yourself for at least part of the visit. Free to roam, naturally, and no time restrictions - just turn up and walk.