Kitley Hill

The walk up Kitley Hill rewards you with views that stretch across County Durham in a way that makes the leg burn worthwhile. It's not a dramatic peak - nothing like the Lake District - but on a clear day you can see right across the Pennines, and that alone justifies the trudge from Barnard Castle direction.

The hill itself is moorland, proper windswept stuff. You'll want decent boots and a jacket even when the weather looks promising down in the valley. The path is well-trodden but steep enough in places to catch you out if you're not paying attention. Allow a solid two hours there and back if you're not a regular walker, longer if you want to sit and actually take in what's around you.

History buffs might find the views more interesting than the summit itself - this landscape shaped the region for centuries. Families with younger kids will find it a bit relentless; it's not the sort of walk where you can dawdle. Serious walkers treating it as part of a longer moorland circuit will get far more from it.

If you're based at The Old Armoury Campsite, it's a decent day out, though you'll need transport to get to the trailhead. Free to access, no visitor facilities up there, so bring water. Go on a weekday if possible - weekends see a fair few folk making the pilgrimage, and the summit gets cramped.