Blue Hill

The ramparts are still there if you know where to look - Iron Age earthworks rising from the Lancashire moorland just outside Clitheroe. Blue Hill is an archaeological site that rewards walkers willing to put in a bit of leg work, though it's not one for those expecting interpretation boards and visitor facilities.

What you're looking at is a hillfort, probably constructed somewhere between 500 and 100 BC. The defensive banks are still visible, which is remarkable when you think about how much has been ploughed under across the country. The views across Pendle and the Ribble Valley are the real draw here - you get a proper sense of why someone would have chosen this spot to build a settlement.

Historically minded types will get more from it than casual strollers, if we're honest. There's not much on-site explanation, so you'll want to do your homework beforehand or bring a local history guide. Budget an hour or so, less if you're just passing through. The walk up is straightforward enough, though it can be boggy depending on the season.

It works well as part of a wider moorland walk around Clitheroe - combine it with a proper day out in the Ribble Valley. Most of the surrounding glamping and holiday parks like Thornton Hall Country Park and Holgates Ribble Valley sit within easy driving distance, making it a feasible morning outing before settling in for the afternoon. The proximity to actual facilities in Clitheroe itself means you're not stranded if the weather turns.