Little Hanging Ridge

Little Hanging Ridge sits on the fringe of the Stray near Harrogate - a modest outcrop that punches above its weight on a clear day. Nothing dramatic, mind you. It's the kind of walk that takes you maybe an hour from the town centre, climbing steadily through woodland before the trees open out onto rolling moorland and proper Yorkshire views stretching back towards the Pennines.

The ridge itself is best tackled in autumn or winter when the bracken's died back and you can actually see where you're stepping. Summer brings out the crowds from Harrogate proper, which tells you something - locals know it's worth the effort. The walk is straightforward enough for families with older kids, though younger ones might find the final push a bit relentless. It's not steep so much as sustained.

What gets me is the quiet. Most walkers head to Betty's tearoom rather than lace up their boots, so you'll have the ridge largely to yourself midweek. The views from the top aren't Instagram-perfect - no dramatic gorges or Alpine peaks - but there's something properly satisfying about standing on actual high ground and watching the light change across the valleys below.

If you're based at Windmill Retreats nearby, this makes an excellent half-day outing. Free, naturally. Allow a couple of hours if you're not rushing. Go when there's been rain - the ground's firm enough to prevent slipping, and the air visibility improves markedly.