Ore Hill

The walk up Ore Hill is a proper slog, but the views across the Eden Valley justify every breath. It's not the most famous fell in the area - Kirkby Stephen locals tend to point visitors toward bigger names - but that's exactly why you'll have it mostly to yourself.

The summit sits at 598 metres, which means the climb from the town takes about 90 minutes at a steady pace. There's no single definitive route, which adds a bit of adventure to it, though the moorland paths are reasonably clear once you're out of the lower fields. On a clear day you can see right across to the Pennines, and on grey days the mist rolls in dramatically enough that you feel genuinely isolated.

This is proper hiking country, not a casual stroll. Bring decent boots and waterproofs - exposure at height means the weather can turn quickly. Families with younger kids might find it a bit much; teenagers and serious walkers will find it rewarding. Allow three to four hours for the round trip if you're taking your time.

The fell works brilliantly as part of a wider walking holiday based around Kirkby Stephen. Staying at Gillcumber Glamping Pods, just down the valley, gives you access to this and a dozen other decent day walks without being stranded in the middle of nowhere. There's nothing at the summit - no cairn, no café - just you, the landscape, and the wind in your ears. That's rather the point.