Harker Hill

Standing at 537 metres, this modest County Durham peak offers surprisingly good views across Teesdale without the crowds you'll find on the Yorkshire Dales' bigger names. The climb from the nearest road is fairly straightforward - about an hour's steady walk up grassy slopes that can get properly boggy after rain.

What you get at the top is a decent panorama taking in Barnard Castle below and the rolling countryside stretching towards the North Pennines. It's not spectacular, mind you, but there's something satisfying about having a summit largely to yourself. The OS map shows a trig point, though it's not the most photogenic you'll find.

Walkers with reasonable fitness will manage this easily enough, though families with small children might find it a bit much. The path isn't always clear, so decent navigation skills help. Early morning visits work well - fewer chance of getting caught in the afternoon weather that rolls in off the moors.

From the holiday parks around Barnard Castle, particularly those closer ones like Mickleton Mill or Leekworth, it makes for a reasonable day's outing if you're after some proper fell walking. Just don't expect Helvellyn - this is more about getting the legs stretched and enjoying some peace than ticking off a classic. Pack waterproofs and allow three hours return from the nearest parking.