Thorny Hill

The walk up Thorny Hill from Kirkby Stephen takes you straight into proper fell country without the crowds you'd find on the Lake District's bigger peaks. It's a steep slog in places, but the climb takes maybe 90 minutes at a steady pace, and the views across the Pennines make it entirely worthwhile. The summit isn't dramatic - there's no dramatic cairn or sudden drop - but you get genuine open moorland horizons and on a clear day you can see right across the Eden Valley.

Walkers will appreciate this one. It's not a strenuous scramble, just honest uphill work with rough paths and good boots essential in wet weather. Families with teenagers keen for a challenge will get genuine achievement from reaching the top. Younger kids might find it a bit relentless unless they're already used to hills. Most people spend 45 minutes to an hour up top before heading back down.

There's no visitor facility, no café, no charge. Bring your own water and snacks. Go early on weekends to avoid parking hassles near Kirkby Stephen. Spring and early autumn are best - summer can be muggy on the exposed moorland, and winter brings ice on the steeper sections.

It pairs brilliantly with stays at Gillcumber Glamping Pods just 2.5 miles away, giving you a proper fell walk that's genuinely accessible without being trivial. Wild Rose Holiday Park is also within reasonable striking distance if you're doing a longer Pennine circuit.