National Trust - Malham Tarn Estate

The walk up to Malham Tarn itself is the real draw here. You're climbing through proper Yorkshire moorland - rough grass, limestone outcrops, the occasional grouse launcher when you're not expecting it - until suddenly you're standing at the edge of a glacial lake that feels genuinely remote despite being just a few miles from Skipton.

It's a National Trust property, so the usual conservation work is quietly happening in the background. The tarn itself is glacial and cold-looking, surrounded by high moorland that drops away sharply on one side. On clear days the views across to Pen-y-ghent and the surrounding peaks are proper impressive. Most people allow two to three hours for the circular walk, depending on fitness and whether you stop to gawp at the geology.

This suits walkers and landscape photographers best. Families with younger kids might find the uphill slog a bit much, though older ones who don't mind a steady climb will get something from the wildness of it. The tarn is also good for spotting moorland birds if you're patient and quiet about it.

Access appears to be free - it's open access land - though parking at the base costs a few quid. Late spring through early autumn is best, when the weather's more forgiving and the moorland's properly alive. In winter it can feel bleak and exposed.

Staying at Malham Glamping Pods just down the road gives you the perfect base for exploring this stretch of the Pennines. Ribblesdale Pods and Wood Nook Caravan Park are close enough for easy access too.