Spy Hill

Standing at 336 metres, this moorland summit offers properly spectacular views across the Worth Valley and beyond to the Pennines. The walk up from Shipley takes about 45 minutes through typical Yorkshire countryside - stone walls, sheep fields, and the odd bit of bog to navigate around.

Walkers will love the varied terrain and the payoff at the top is well worth the effort. Families with older children should manage fine, though the final stretch can be a bit boggy after rain. The views stretch from Ilkley Moor in the north right across to Emley Moor transmitter on a clear day - quite something when the weather cooperates.

What makes Spy Hill special isn't just the elevation but its position overlooking Brontë country. You're genuinely standing where the sisters would have walked, looking out over the landscapes that inspired Wuthering Heights. That connection adds weight to what could otherwise be just another Yorkshire hill.

Allow two to three hours for the round trip from Shipley, longer if you fancy extending the walk along the ridge. The moorland can be exposed, so pack layers even on sunny days. It's free, naturally, and accessible year-round though winter conditions can make the paths treacherous. Several holiday parks including Dobrudden Caravan Park and Esholt Holiday Caravan Park sit within easy reach, making this a cracking day out from a West Yorkshire base.