Thomas Gill Hill

Thomas Gill Hill rewards you with proper fell walking and views across the Pennines that justify the climb. It's not a massive peak - we're talking around 400 metres - but from Richmond this makes it an accessible target for a morning or early afternoon sortie without needing specialist kit or all-day commitment.

The walk itself follows a straightforward route through moorland with the gill running alongside for much of it, which keeps things interesting beyond just trudging uphill. Weather permitting, you get sight lines across Swaledale and down towards Richmond itself, which gives you that moment where the effort suddenly clicks into place. On a clear day it's worth lingering.

This suits families with older kids and regular weekend walkers far more than it does serious hikers after a proper challenge. You're looking at a couple of hours there and back depending on fitness, making it ideal if you're based at Usha Gap Farm & Campsite or Gillcumber Glamping Pods and want a half-day route. The terrain can get boggy after rain, so spring and summer are the smart choice.

Richmond itself is close enough that you could combine this with the market town's castle or riverside walks if energy levels allow. It's the sort of local fell that locals actually use rather than something they drive past to bag something bigger - and that's often a sign it's genuinely good value for time invested.