Pica Hill

The walk up Pica Hill from Kirkby Stephen takes about an hour and rewards you with a proper fell-top view across the Pennines. Nothing fancy - just open moorland, solid limestone underfoot, and enough space to actually breathe. On a clear day you can see for miles in all directions, which is exactly why the fell walkers round here rate it so highly.

It's the sort of peak that rewards walkers without requiring fell-running fitness. Not a slog like some of the bigger Pennine jobs, but steep enough in places that you'll feel you've earned the view. The walk works well for families with older kids - under-tens might find the final push a bit much, though nothing technical. History types will appreciate the limestone geology and the ancient drovers' routes that crisscross this part of Cumbria.

The real bonus is how quiet it stays. You're not fighting crowds or waiting in queues. Free to access, naturally - just park near Kirkby Stephen and head out. Allow a solid three hours for the round trip if you're not moving fast, longer if you stop to take in the views properly, which you should.

Stay at Gillcumber Glamping Pods just down the road if you want somewhere comfortable to return to. The location works brilliantly for combining walks across the Pennines - Pica Hill sits within reach of plenty of other fells and valleys. Go in autumn or spring when the weather settles and the ground isn't boggy.