Mountjoy

The walk up Mountjoy isn't long, but it's relentless. You're gaining height steadily through County Durham farmland, and by the time you crest the 1,040-foot summit, your legs know about it. The payoff is proper though - on a clear day you get sweeping views across the Pennines and back towards Durham itself, with the cathedral just visible in the distance if the light's right.

It's a walker's hill rather than a tourist trap, which is exactly why it works. No crowds, no visitor centre, just you and the moorland. Most people manage it in under two hours from the car park, making it ideal if you're based at Woodside Ridge Caravan Park and want a proper outing without committing your whole afternoon. Families with decent walkers will be fine here - the path's clear enough - but don't expect facilities at the top. Bring water.

The real appeal is how honest it feels. There's no gift shop trying to flog you things, no interpretive panels telling you what you're looking at. You earn the view, and that matters. If you're after an easy stroll with a nice view, this'll feel a bit steep for what it is. But if you want to actually walk somewhere in North East England without it being a major expedition, Mountjoy delivers. Worth the detour when you're in the area.