Middle High Hill

The climb up Middle High Hill from Settle takes about an hour, and you'll spend most of it wondering why it's called 'high' when the views only properly open out in the last ten minutes. That said, once you're up there, it's genuinely rewarding - proper moorland stretching towards Pen-y-ghent, with the Ribble Valley rolling away beneath you. On a clear day you can pick out Ingleborough to the west, which makes the effort feel justified.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's straightforward terrain without technical bits, though the paths are boggy in places and the last stretch climbs steeply enough that it's not ideal for very small children. Most people allow two to three hours for the round trip if they're not rushing. There's no facilities at the summit - not even a cairn worth mentioning - so pack water and something to eat.

What makes Middle High Hill useful rather than spectacular is its position within the Three Peaks landscape. If you're staying at Peaks and Pods or The Dalesbridge Campsite nearby, it works brilliantly as a morning walk before tackling something more ambitious. It's the sort of hill that settles you into the hills rather than blowing your mind. Good preparation ground before attempting Pen-y-ghent or Whernside. Free, obviously. Go midweek if Settle's busy at weekends.