Spanham West Hill

The walk up Spanham West Hill rewards you with proper Pennine views - nothing fancy, just solid fell country rolling away toward Teesdale. It's a straightforward ascent from the Barnard Castle side, taking the best part of an hour depending on fitness and how often you stop to look back at where you've come from.

This isn't a dramatic peak or a famous viewpoint with crowds queuing for photos. What you get instead is honest moorland walking, the kind of thing that feels genuinely wild even though you're never far from civilization. The fell top itself is windswept and honest - good for clearing your head, less good if you're after shelter or facilities.

Walkers will find it worthwhile, especially as a half-day outing from one of the Barnard Castle campsites - The Old Armoury is closest at just over two miles away. Families with older children who don't mind a stiff climb will manage it fine. Younger kids might find it a bit relentless unless you're breaking it up with snacks and encouraging words. Allow two hours for a round trip if you're taking your time.

Go on a clear day - visibility here is everything. Midweek mornings tend to be quieter. The walk slots nicely into a broader Teesdale explore, particularly if you're basing yourself at one of the caravan sites around Barnard Castle and want to get the legs working between easier attractions. It's proper fell walking without the pretension.