Middle Bank Hill

The walk up Middle Bank Hill from Settle is properly straightforward, which makes it all the more baffling why more people don't bother. You're looking at roughly two hours there and back, climbing through moorland that gets progressively better the higher you go. The views across Ribblesdale are genuinely worth the effort - on a clear day you can see for miles, and the fell feels properly remote despite being so close to the town.

It's not a technical climb. The path is well-trodden and the gradient, while sustained, won't leave you gasping. Families with reasonably fit kids will manage fine, though it's not the sort of place to drag a reluctant teenager who'd rather be on their phone. Walkers and landscape photographers will get the most from it - the light at late afternoon does something rather special to the valley below.

There's no visitor centre or facilities on the hill itself, so bring water and snacks. It's free to access and open year-round, though winter can get muddy. Allow a solid couple of hours including time to sit around at the top and actually look at the view rather than just tick it off.

Stay at Philpin Farm Campsite or Ribblesdale Pods for a proper Yorkshire base - both within easy reach - and pair this walk with other peaks in the area. It slots perfectly into a weekend exploring the fells around Settle without the crowds you'd find on more famous summits.