Netcliffe Hill

The walk up Netcliffe Hill rewards you with proper panoramic views across the Ribble Valley - the kind of vista that makes you understand why people choose to holiday in Lancashire. It's not a dramatic peak, but that's rather the point. You get all the satisfaction of reaching a summit without needing fell boots and a packed lunch.

The climb takes about half an hour from Skipton side, which means it fits neatly into a morning or afternoon excursion. On a clear day you can see right across the valley floor, with the hills rolling away in layers. It's genuinely lovely in spring when the valley greens up, though summer crowds can make the footpath a bit muddy depending on the weather.

Walkers will get the most from this. Small children might lose interest halfway, but determined family groups with kids aged eight-plus should manage fine. The path is relatively straightforward - no scrambling or exposed edges to worry about.

If you're based at Thornton Hall Country Park, just two miles away, or staying further afield at places like Holgates Ribble Valley, this makes an excellent half-day outing. Combine it with exploring Skipton town itself, which sits conveniently at the foot. The walk is free, naturally, and there's no visitor centre or facilities to worry about - just you and the Yorkshire air.

Worth doing? Yes, but don't expect solitude or dramatic photography. It's steady, straightforward, and leaves you feeling you've actually been out rather than just pottered about.