Old Side Top

The walk up Old Side Top rewards you with one of those views that makes the leg ache worth it. Starting from near Richmond, you're looking at a proper fell rather than a gentle stroll - this is Pennine country, and it doesn't do flat. The summit itself sits at a decent height, and on a clear day the sweep of countryside across Swaledale is genuinely impressive. The terrain underfoot is what you'd expect: a mix of grass, moorland, and the odd rocky section that demands proper boots rather than trainers.

Serious walkers will get the most out of this one. It's not a tourist trap with a café and gift shop at the top - it's real upland walking. The path can be boggy in places, and the weather can turn properly quickly, so you need to know what you're doing. An hour for the ascent is reasonable if you're fit, maybe longer if you're taking it steady. Allow another 45 minutes coming down, though your knees might argue with you on the descent.

The nearby farms make decent bases. Usha Gap Farm & Campsite is walkable distance if you fancy combining a proper hike with a quieter camping setup, while Gillcumber's glamping pods suit those who'd rather not pitch a tent but still want to be out in Swaledale proper. Either way, you're close enough to do this without a car journey beforehand.