White Hill

Standing at 448 metres, this unassuming summit offers proper views across the Durham Dales without the crowds that plague more famous peaks. You'll find White Hill just south of Barnard Castle, and while it's not the highest point in the area, the relatively gentle climb makes it ideal for families with older children or walkers who fancy something achievable in a morning. The route up is straightforward enough - a mix of moorland paths and farm tracks that can get a bit boggy after rain. Worth bringing proper walking boots rather than trainers. From the top, you get sweeping views across Teesdale and on clear days you can spot the Pennines stretching into the distance. It's not spectacular enough to justify a special journey, but if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Heather View or Kingfisher, it makes for a decent half-day out. History buffs might appreciate that you're walking through landscape that's barely changed in centuries - this is proper working countryside, not sanitised tourist territory. Allow three to four hours for the round trip from Barnard Castle, including time to appreciate the views. Best tackled on a clear day when the visibility stretches for miles rather than in typical Durham drizzle.