High Cross Hill

The walk up High Cross Hill from Barnoldswick takes about forty minutes if you're reasonably fit, which is precisely why it's worth doing. You get proper views across the Pennines once you're up there - on a clear day you can see right across Lancashire's moorland toward the hills beyond. The summit itself is modest, marked by a stone cross that's been rebuilt over the years, but the real payoff is the breathing space and the perspective it gives you over the landscape.

It's a straightforward fell walk rather than a technical climb, so families with older kids manage it fine. Younger children might find the moorland stretch a bit relentless on the legs. The whole trip takes a couple of hours including a sit-down at the top, and it's free - just park sensibly near Barnoldswick and head out.

If you're based at one of the nearby campsites - Deerstone Glamping is closest at two and a half miles - this makes an excellent afternoon excursion that doesn't require a car journey. Thornton Hall Country Park and Shay Gate Farm are also within easy striking distance if you want a half-day walk that feels properly rewarding without being an all-day commitment. The moorland terrain is exposed, so go when the weather's settled. Wind and low cloud can roll in quickly and kill the views entirely, which would be a shame.