Stangend Rigg

Getting up to Stangend Rigg from Bishop Auckland takes proper leg work, but the moorland walk rewards you with decent views across County Durham's rolling landscape. It's a straightforward climb rather than anything dramatic - the sort of peak that appeals to walkers after a solid morning's exertion without the scrambling stress.

The summit sits at around 450 metres and offers that satisfying vantage point across the Pennines and out towards the coast. On a clear day it's worth the detour; misty days make it feel a bit more isolated than special, to be honest. The walk itself meanders through typical northern moorland - heather, gorse, and that particular shade of brown earth that's either lovely or bleak depending on the weather.

Families with reasonably fit kids will manage this, though it's not a quick jaunt. Allow three to four hours for the round trip depending on fitness and how many photo stops you take. Solo walkers and couples get more from the solitude than families with young children, who'd probably find it hard going without substantial bribery.

If you're based at Westgate Caravan & Camping Site just down the road - a solid 4.8-rated spot - Stangend Rigg makes for a proper day walk without needing to travel far. It's free and available year-round, though autumn offers the best going underfoot. No facilities at the summit, so bring water and snacks. The real pull here is honest moorland walking, not Instagram moments.