Sugar Loaf

The walk up Sugar Loaf is one of those North Yorkshire hikes that rewards you properly without demanding Alpine fitness. Starting from near Leyburn, you're looking at a relatively gentle ascent to around 500 metres, with the Wensleydale valley spreading out below as you climb. The summit itself is a modest cone of moorland, wind-cropped and honest - no dramatic clifftop drama, just clean air and a real sense of having earned the view.

This one suits families who've got their hiking legs on, and anyone keen on the Dales without wanting to tackle something like Pen-y-ghent. The path is generally straightforward, though it can be boggy after rain - proper waterproofs matter. Allow a couple of hours for the round trip if you're not dawdling, less if you're quick. It's free to walk, naturally.

Where it genuinely shines is as part of a longer Wensleydale loop. You could do this in the morning, then spend the afternoon exploring the valley proper. Both Ribblesdale Pods and Stablefell Holidays sit within easy driving distance, making it an unpretentious way to tick off a peak without the faffing about of bigger hills. The views aren't jaw-dropping - they're proper, steady valley views - but that's rather the point. Some days you want drama. This day you want a decent walk and a flask of tea.