High Black Hill

Standing at 526 metres, this is County Durham's highest point and the views from the summit are properly spectacular on a clear day. You'll spot the North Pennines stretching out in every direction, with the Yorkshire Dales visible to the south and Hadrian's Wall country to the north.

Getting to the top requires a decent hike - there's no road to the summit, so you'll need proper walking boots and a good two hours round trip from the nearest parking spot. The terrain can be boggy in places, especially after rain, but the well-worn path from Burnhope Seat makes navigation straightforward enough.

Serious walkers will love the challenge and the sense of achievement that comes with bagging Durham's highest peak. Families with older children (say 10 plus) who don't mind a proper walk will find it rewarding, though it's definitely not buggy-friendly territory. The weather can turn quickly up here, so pack layers and waterproofs even on sunny days.

From your holiday base near Bishop Auckland, it's a pleasant drive through Weardale to reach the starting point. Several holiday parks like Heather View and Kingfisher offer good bases for exploring the area, though you'll want to combine this with gentler attractions if you've got younger children in tow. Best tackled on a clear morning when the visibility is at its peak.