High Stone Ridge

The walk up High Stone Ridge rewards you with proper Dales views - moorland rolling away in all directions, with Skipton and the surrounding valleys mapped out below like something from an Ordnance Survey sheet. It's a straightforward fell top rather than a dramatic peak, which means you won't be scrambling or rope work, but that's rather the point. Walkers get the most from this one, especially those base camping at Coxons Farm or Bolton Abbey Estate just down the road and wanting a half-day expedition without the drama.

You're looking at a steady two to three hour round trip depending on your route and how long you loiter at the top. The access is free - it's open moorland - and there are no facilities at the summit, so bring water and something to eat. Spring and early summer are best when the heather's coming through, though honestly it's fine any time the weather cooperates.

What makes it work is proximity. If you're camping in Wharfedale or based at Draughton Heights, you can squeeze this in between breakfast and a proper pub lunch in Skipton without feeling like you've sacrificed a day to it. The ridge connects to broader walking routes across the Dales, so it's not a dead end - more a natural waypoint. Kids will find it reasonably engaging if they're already walkers, but it's not the sort of place that holds attention for long once they've reached the top. On a clear day, though, the view justifies the effort.