Swartha Hill

Swartha Hill sits just outside Skipton, a proper modest fell that doesn't demand much of you but rewards the effort with decent views across the Craven landscape. It's the kind of walk that takes a couple of hours there and back, nothing alpine about it - just steady climbing through moorland to a cairn at the top. You get the Pennines rolling away to the east and on a clear day the surrounding moorland opens up nicely.

Walkers will find this worthwhile, especially those after a quick local outing rather than a full-day expedition. Families with primary-aged kids can manage it without complaint, though much younger ones might grumble on the way up. History types won't find much here - it's about the walk and the views, not any particular landmark. The path can be boggy in places after rain, so boots sensible. Timing-wise, aim for morning or early afternoon to avoid the flat light that kills moorland photos.

If you're based at Draughton Heights or Brown Bank caravan parks just down the road, this makes a natural morning walk before heading into Skipton for lunch. It's close enough that you won't waste hours driving. Skip it if you're after dramatic scenery - the Dales proper have more to offer. But if you want a straightforward moorland ramble with decent endurance credentials, Swartha Hill fits the bill. Worth the walk, nothing more, nothing less.