Ward's Stone

Ward's Stone sits at 1,375 feet, the highest point of the Forest of Bowland, and you can see why people bother making the walk when the weather plays ball. It's a proper fell rather than a fell-top tourist trap, which means you'll work for the views but you won't be queuing for them either.

The climb from near Lancaster takes the best part of two hours depending on fitness and route choice. What rewards you at the top is genuinely expansive - on a clear day you're looking across the Lune Valley down towards Morecambe Bay, and inland towards the Lake District peaks. The fell itself is moorland and grass, windswept and open, with no café or visitor centre nonsense in sight.

Walkers and fell runners will get the most from this. It's not a ramble for small children, though determined families with teenagers do manage it. The paths can be boggy and navigation is straightforward enough but requires attention - bring a map. There's no charge to walk here and no time restrictions, though early morning or late afternoon light tends to be worth planning your visit around.

If you're staying at Crook O'Lune Holiday Park nearby, this makes a cracking day out that doesn't require a car journey. It fits well with exploring the Forest of Bowland as a whole - less manicured than some honeypots, proper walking country. Allow three to four hours total, longer if you're taking your time.