Peat Rigg

A windswept outcrop above Barnard Castle that delivers proper fell-walking without the epic commitment. Peat Rigg is the sort of place locals know and visitors miss, which makes it all the better. The walk itself takes about forty minutes from the nearest car park, climbing steadily through moorland with views that open out across Teesdale and beyond. On a clear day you can see right across County Durham - on a grey one, which is frequent, you get that moody Pennines atmosphere that's frankly more atmospheric anyway.

This is walking country, not sightseeing. Families with older kids will find it manageable, though the final stretch does bite a bit. There's nothing at the summit except the view and some cairns, which sounds sparse until you're up there and actually see it. The surrounding moorland is empty in the best possible way.

Bit of planning needed here. There's no visitor centre, no café, no facilities to speak of. Bring a map and good boots. The ground gets boggy after rain, which is often. Assuming you've got transport, it's a worthwhile morning or afternoon activity, and slots well into a broader Teesdale exploration.

If you're staying at Leekworth or Mickleton Mill caravan parks - both excellent bases near Barnard Castle - this works as a proper walk without dominating your day. Two hours tops, including the ascent. Do it on the morning of a clear day and you won't regret it.