Little Hare Head

Sharp limestone crags rise from moorland just east of Skipton, offering proper Yorkshire Dales walking without the crowds you'll find on the bigger fells. Little Hare Head stands at a modest height but delivers views that punch well above its weight - the Wharfe Valley spreads out below while Pen-y-ghent looms on the horizon. Getting there involves a good scramble up rocky outcrops that'll test your boots and your nerve in places. The final approach requires hands-on-rock work, so definitely not one for toddlers or anyone uncomfortable with exposure. Experienced walkers and scramblers will love the challenge though. Allow two to three hours for the round trip from the nearest parking, longer if you're taking it steady. Weather can turn quickly up here, so pack layers and waterproofs even on seemingly fine days. The route starts from tracks near Bolton Abbey, making it a cracking addition to a Dales holiday. Several camping options sit within easy reach, including Bolton Abbey Estate's own campsite less than a mile away and Catgill Farm at similar distance. Spring through early autumn works best for the ascent - winter conditions can make the rocky sections properly treacherous. Not the most famous peak in the Dales, but that's rather the point.