Druids Altar

Standing stones don't come much more dramatic than this Bronze Age circle perched high on Bingley Moor. The five remaining upright stones, locals call them the Druids Altar though they predate actual Druids by centuries, command sweeping views across Airedale that make the steep moorland walk worthwhile.

Climbing up from Bingley takes about 45 minutes through heather and rough grass. The stones themselves are impressive enough - weathered gritstone pillars that have stood sentinel here for over 3,000 years - but it's the panoramic vistas that really deliver. On clear days you can see right across the valley to Ilkley Moor and beyond.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the site's ancient significance, though there's precious little interpretation once you arrive. Families with older children who don't mind a proper hike will enjoy the adventure, but this isn't pushchair territory. The exposed location means weather can change quickly - I've been caught in driving rain up here more than once.

Allow half a day if you're making a special trip, though keen walkers often combine it with longer routes across the moors. Free to visit whenever you fancy, assuming you can navigate the unmarked paths. Several holiday parks around Bingley like Harden & Bingley Park and Bronte Country Park make decent bases for exploring this corner of West Yorkshire's wilder side.