Mossy Moor Ridge

The walk up Mossy Moor Ridge, just outside Skipton, doesn't announce itself as anything grand - which is rather the point. You're looking at a proper Yorkshire moorland ridge with views that stretch across the Dales without the crowds you'd find on the honeypot peaks. The ascent is manageable, nothing that'll have you cursing on the way up, and the moorland itself has that wild, windswept character that makes the Pennines so appealing.

Seriously, the light changes here constantly. One minute it's brooding and dramatic, the next the sun breaks through and you can see for miles. The ridge walk itself takes around two hours at a steady pace, and you'll likely have stretches to yourself - a rarity on bank holidays in this region.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not a destination for families wanting ice cream stops or gentle strolls (the paths can be boggy and exposed in places), and you'll need proper boots. Clear days are essential - in mist you'll lose the point of the thing entirely. Hit it on a decent morning and you'll understand why people spend their whole lives coming back to the Dales.

The campgrounds near Skipton - Wharfedale Caravan and Motorhome Club is closest at under three miles - make sensible bases. Bolton Abbey Estate, a touch further at just over five miles, puts you well-positioned for this walk alongside exploring the Wharfe Valley proper. Aim for spring when the moorland's starting to come alive.