Ragstaff Hill

The walk up Ragstaff Hill rewards you with proper views across Wharfedale - the kind that make you forget about the leg work getting there. It's not a massive peak, but from the top you're looking out over stone walls, green fields rolling toward Skipton, and on clear days the Pennines stretching away in the distance. The ascent is steady rather than brutal, taking most people around 45 minutes to an hour depending on fitness and how many times you stop to catch your breath.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's accessible enough for families with older kids, though younger ones might find the climb tedious without proper incentive - a picnic at the top works wonders. The terrain is mostly moorland and grass, so decent boots are worth the bother, especially after rain when it gets boggy in patches.

You'll want to allow a couple of hours for the round trip if you're taking it steady and actually enjoying the views rather than racing. There's no facilities at the summit - just you, the wind, and the landscape - so bring water and something to eat. Free to visit, naturally, since it's open moorland.

If you're camped at Wharfedale Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite or Wood Nook Caravan Park, both within easy driving distance, this makes a solid half-day walk. Best tackled early morning before the light gets harsh and before Skipton's day-trippers start heading out this way. Spring and autumn are ideal - summer can be busy, winter muddy.