Stock Bridge Hill

The walk up Stock Bridge Hill rewards you with proper views across the Yorkshire Dales - the kind of vista that makes you understand why people keep coming back to this corner of Lancashire. It's a modest peak rather than a dramatic summit, but that's rather the point. The climb from Skipton takes about an hour and the path is well-trodden enough that you won't spend half the day second-guessing your route.

This is walkers' territory, pure and simple. Families with primary-school-age kids will manage it fine on a dry day, though the descent can be punishing on the knees. History buffs won't find much to chew on - there's no ruined abbey or ancient fort waiting at the top, just that uncluttered sense of space that comes from being high enough to see for miles. On a clear day you can pick out landmarks towards the Pennines.

There's no visitor centre, no facilities, no admission fee. Take what you need in your rucksack and allow a couple of hours for the round trip if you're going at a proper pace. Early morning is best - not because it's magical (avoid that word) but because you'll avoid the midweek crush of other hikers and the afternoon mist that rolls in fast this time of year.

If you're staying at Thornton Hall Country Park just over a mile away, or any of the glamping spots dotted around - Deerstone or Hedgerow are both close - Stock Bridge Hill makes a cracking half-day outing. Pair it with a walk down to the village itself for a coffee. It's solid Dales country, nothing more, nothing less.