Kail Hill

The walk up Kail Hill from Skipton takes you through proper Dales country - moorland that opens out to views of the surrounding valleys and peaks. It's not a particularly demanding climb, which means you'll spend less time gasping for breath and more time actually looking around. The summit itself is modest rather than dramatic, but on a clear day you get the sense of being genuinely up there, with enough perspective to see how the landscape slots together.

This works well for families who've done a few walks already and want something with a bit of elevation gain without requiring technical kit or full-day commitment. Older kids won't find it tedious, and the moorland terrain is interesting enough to keep people engaged. Walkers after a quick morning outing before heading elsewhere will find it fits perfectly into a loose itinerary.

You'll want to allow a couple of hours depending on fitness and how many times you stop to take photos. Spring and autumn are probably your best bets - summer can feel a bit exposed if the weather turns, and winter mud makes it unnecessarily slippery for what it is.

If you're staying at one of the caravan parks dotted around Wharfedale - Coxons Farm Glamping Pods or Wood Nook are both within three miles - this is a solid option for breaking up a lazy week. It's close enough to base yourself near Skipton and not feel like you're wasting the day getting there and back.