Pike Law

The walk up Pike Law from Bishop Auckland is short, sharp, and absolutely worth your time if you're staying at any of the caravan parks round about. It's a fell, not a mountain - don't expect Alpine drama - but the views across Weardale are proper lovely, especially on a clear day when you can see right across the Durham hills.

You'll get the best out of this if you're a keen walker with decent boots and a bit of spare afternoon. It's the kind of peak that families with older kids can manage, though younger ones might find the final push a bit of a slog. Allow maybe ninety minutes from the car park to the summit and back. The path's well-trodden but can be muddy after rain, so choose your weather.

Free to visit, naturally - there's no gate or admission charge. Spring and early autumn are ideal when the ground's dry underfoot and you won't be climbing in drizzle.

If you're based at Westgate or White House & Hagg Bridge for a wider Durham holiday, Pike Law works as a half-day outing that ties nicely into exploring the North Pennines. It's close enough to Bishop Auckland town for provisions, but far enough out to feel like proper countryside. Don't expect it to dominate your itinerary - it's more of a solid, unshowy local walk than a destination in itself.