Limekiln Ridge

The walk up Limekiln Ridge takes you through proper Dales country, with views that stretch across the Yorkshire moorland in ways that justify the steep pull underfoot. It's a straightforward fell walk from near Skipton - nothing technical, but you'll feel it in your legs if you're not used to gradient.

The ridge itself rewards the climb. On a clear day you're looking out over Wharfedale and beyond, with Pen-y-ghent visible on the horizon if you're lucky. The limestone geology is the real story here - hence the name - and the whole area is scarred with the industrial heritage of quarrying. It's the kind of walk where you stop halfway up for breath and realise you've come further than you thought.

This one's for walkers with decent fitness. Kids aged eight and up might manage it, though you'll need patience and the promise of snacks at the top. The views don't photograph particularly well, which sounds odd, but they're one of those experiences that live in memory rather than on Instagram. Allow two to three hours for the round trip, depending on fitness.

If you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Howgill Lodge is closest - you've got Bolton Abbey and the wider Wharfedale walks on your doorstep too. Limekiln Ridge works best as a morning outing before the weather turns or the light gets tricky. Avoid it in heavy rain; the ground gets boggy fast.