Pontop Pike Park

The views from Pontop Pike proper stretch for miles across County Durham - on a clear day you can see right across the Pennines, which alone makes the walk up worthwhile. It's a nature reserve that feels more like a proper fell than a manicured park, with rough moorland, heather, and the kind of open space that makes you remember why you came north in the first place.

The summit's got an old TV transmission mast which some find an eyesore and others find oddly fascinating - either way, it breaks up the skyline. The walk itself isn't brutal but it's genuine; expect a solid hour to get up there from the car park, longer if you're taking it leisurely and stopping for the views. Walkers will get the most from this. If your kids are properly into hiking it's excellent, but under-tens might find it a bit of a drag for what is essentially moorland with a long climb.

Nearest town is Derecroft, though most people approach from the Consett direction. If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Hidden Retreat Glamping, Allensford Holiday Park Consett, Haystax, or Manor Park are all within a few miles - this makes a cracking half-day outing. Admission appears to be free and there's no obvious restrictions on when you can visit, though winter weather can be grim and the path gets boggy. Go on a decent day with decent visibility or you might just be trudging through cloud for an hour. Worth doing once if you're in the area.