Stainburn dh

The old stone shelter at Stainburn sits on the moors above Harrogate like something from a fell runner's fever dream. It's not much to look at - a basic stone hut with a corrugated roof - but it marks the spot where moorland walkers have sheltered from Yorkshire weather for generations.

You'll find it on the open heathland between Harrogate and Otley, which makes it a natural stop on proper walking routes rather than a destination in itself. The shelter stands at a junction of paths, so you're not slogging through bog to reach nothing. Most people stumble across it while tackling longer hikes across the moors, and it's genuinely useful if rain rolls in - happens more often than not up here.

If you're staying at Breaks Fold Farm Glamping just outside Harrogate, this is within striking distance for a half-day walk. The moorland around it is proper beautiful in late summer when the heather's out, though it's bleak and windswept in winter. Don't expect facilities or any tourism infrastructure - this is purely functional.

Walkers and hikers will appreciate the shelter's purpose. Families with young kids might find the walk rewarding depending on which route you take, though the exposed moorland isn't ideal for those easily spooked by open ground. Allow two to three hours if you're combining it with a broader moorland circuit from Harrogate. It's free, obviously, and open year-round though the moors themselves can be properly grim when weather sets in.