Prospect Hill

The walk up Prospect Hill rewards you with one of the finest views across Wensleydale and the surrounding dales. It's not a vast undertaking - the summit sits just outside Richmond, making it ideal for an afternoon ramble when you've got a few hours spare but don't fancy a full-day expedition.

The climb itself is straightforward, though the final push gets a bit steep. Once you're up there, the panorama spreads out properly - rolling hills fold into the distance, and on a clear day you can pick out the sweep of the valley floor far below. Richmond itself sits visible to the south, which gives the whole thing a nice sense of place.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's not complicated enough to interest serious hikers looking for a challenge, but it's exactly right if you want a proper walk without the full commitment of tackling something like Pendle Hill. Kids can manage it, though younger ones might find the steep bit annoying. Allow a good hour to get up and back down, longer if you want to linger at the top with a flask.

If you're staying at Kiplin Country Park or Pembroke Caravan Park, this makes a cracking addition to a dales-based holiday. You're close enough to pop out for it without losing half a day to travelling. Combine it with a wander round Richmond itself, and you've got a decent morning or afternoon sorted. Free to access, naturally - there's no gate or charge.