Sun Dodd

Sun Dodd rises from the moorland south of Barnard Castle as a proper no-nonsense fell - nothing fancy, just honest height and views that stretch across the Pennines when the weather behaves. The walk up isn't technically demanding, but the exposed moorland means wind can be relentless, so come prepared. Once you're up there, the 470-metre summit rewards the effort with sight lines that sweep towards Cross Fell and beyond. On a clear day, you'll spot why this corner of County Durham draws walkers year-round.

This is for people who like their peaks without the crowds or the three-hour scramble. Families with teenagers keen on fell-walking will manage it fine; younger kids might find the moorland a bit featureless and windy. The beauty is in the solitude and the views rather than any specific feature at the top - no cairn tourist trap, just the fell itself.

Allow two to three hours for a steady round trip from the nearest parking. There's no visitor centre or facilities, so take water and check the weather forecast properly. The moorland can close in quickly. If you're based at The Old Armoury Campsite or one of the other spots near Barnard Castle, this works as a half-day walk that doesn't demand a full expedition. Winter and early spring can be boggy underfoot, so autumn or summer is your best bet. Worth doing if you're in the area and want straightforward fell time without the Lake District circus.