Sand Haw

The walk up Sand Haw rewards you with proper expansive views across Wharfedale and beyond - the kind of panorama that makes the climb worthwhile even on a grey Yorkshire day. It's a modest peak by Dales standards, but what it lacks in height it makes up for in accessibility. You can reach the summit in roughly an hour from Skipton, making it ideal for an afternoon outing rather than a full day commitment.

This one's for walkers who want decent views without needing fell boots and a packed lunch for six hours. Families with older kids will manage it fine, though younger legs might find the steady climb tedious. The paths are reasonably clear, though it can get boggy after rain - standard Yorkshire moorland stuff.

Timing your visit for late morning or early afternoon gives you the best light and avoids the midday crowds that sometimes gather at more famous peaks nearby. Come autumn or spring when the weather's more settled and visibility stretches for miles.

If you're based at one of the caravan parks around here - Wharfedale Club Campsite or Coxons Farm are closest - Sand Haw works as a morning stomp before heading into Skipton for lunch. It pairs well with exploring the lower Wharfe Valley, where you've got everything from gentler riverside walks to the bigger fell challenges. The advantage of staying at these sites is having a proper base for exploring the area without hauling yourself across the Dales every single day.