Water Crag

The climb up Water Crag rewards you with one of those views that makes the leg-burn worthwhile. It's a proper fell rather than a gentle hill walk - the gradient catches you out if you're not expecting it, and the exposed limestone can be slippery when wet, so pick your day carefully.

From the summit you're looking out across Swaledale with Richmond nestled below, and on a clear day the visibility stretches for miles across the Pennines. The crag itself is less dramatic than the name suggests - more of a steep grassy slope with rocky outcrops than a towering cliff face - but that's rather the point. This is working fell country, not theatre.

It's worth the effort for anyone with decent fitness who wants to escape the honeypot walks. Hill walkers will tick it off in an hour or so from Richmond, families with young kids might find it more of a slog. The terrain is rough underfoot in places; proper boots recommended.

If you're camping at Usha Gap Farm, Water Crag makes a perfect half-day adventure - you're close enough that you won't spend all morning just driving. Pack a windproof even if the weather looks kind; exposed summits in Yorkshire change their minds quickly. The descent is as demanding as the climb up, so leave yourself daylight to spare.