Raven Seat

Standing at 462 metres, this modest fell in the North Pennines doesn't shout about itself the way some peaks do. But that's rather the point. Raven Seat offers proper hill walking without the crowds that flock to the Lake District, with views across Weardale that stretch for miles on a clear day.

The walk up is a steady slog rather than anything technical - families with older children will manage it fine, though toddlers might struggle with the rough moorland terrain. From the summit, you can see across to the higher fells of the North Pennines and down into the valley where Bishop Auckland sits below.

Walkers looking for a half-day expedition will find this fits the bill perfectly. Allow two to three hours for the round trip, depending on your route and how long you linger at the top. The approach from Stanhope is the most straightforward, though parking can be limited in the village.

For those staying at nearby parks like Westgate Caravan & Camping Site or Hill Top Huts, this makes a decent day out without travelling far. It's not going to set your world alight, but it's a proper bit of fell walking that reminds you why the North Pennines deserve more attention. Weather can change quickly up here, so pack accordingly.