The Bowshaws

The walk up to The Bowshaws rewards you with proper moorland views across West Yorkshire. It's a straightforward climb from Otley - nothing too technical, but the gradient builds steadily as you push higher through bracken and rough grass. The summit itself isn't dramatic, but the vantage point is worth the effort, looking out across Wharfedale and beyond.

This is ideal for walkers rather than sightseers. You're not turning up for an attraction and leaving within the hour - this is a proper outing. Most people allow two to three hours for the full walk, depending on fitness and pace. The terrain is moorland throughout, so decent boots matter. Summer is clearly the better bet, when the vegetation isn't waterlogged and visibility tends to hold.

It fits well with a wider moorland walking circuit around Otley. The surrounding hills reward exploration, and if you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Fairmead Farm Glamping is closest at 2.4 miles - you've got decent access to the network. The walk itself won't tire young children, but they'll need to be comfortable with a sustained uphill trek without obvious features to hold their attention.

Free to access, as with most UK moorland. No facilities at the top, so bring water. Go early if you're planning a summer weekend - the Otley area pulls in walkers, and parking at trailheads fills quickly.