Upper Stone Haw

The walk up to Upper Stone Haw rewards you with proper views across the Pennines - the sort of landscape that makes you understand why people move to Yorkshire and never leave. It's a modest peak by serious hiking standards, but from Skipton it's an entirely achievable afternoon's work, especially if you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Peaks and Pods.

You'll tackle moorland and fell, nothing technical, and the summit gives you that satisfying 360-degree pay-off. On a clear day you can pick out Half Pendle away to the southwest, and there's enough undulating country around you to make it feel genuinely remote despite being within striking distance of a market town.

It's ideal for walkers who want a proper outing without needing full fell-walking kit, and families with decent legs won't find it punishing - allow a couple of hours there and back depending on fitness. The moorland is exposed though, so check the weather before you head up; there's not much shelter once you're off the lower paths.

Go on a crisp morning when the air's clear and you can actually see something. The afternoon can bring cloud rolling in fast across the Pennines. It doesn't demand much - no fees, no faffing about with gates - just park sensibly near Skipton and head out. A genuine piece of Pennine walking that won't demand a full day's commitment.