Queen's Rock

There's a proper rock formation rising out of the Yorkshire moorland near Settle, and Queen's Rock has been drawing walkers and history enthusiasts for years. The story goes that Queen Mary Queen of Scots sheltered here during her flight across northern England in 1568 - whether that's strictly true or local legend, it makes for a decent tale while you're catching your breath on the climb.

The rock itself rewards the walk up. You get sweeping views across Ribblesdale and the surrounding fells, and on a clear day it's the kind of spot that makes you understand why people move to the Dales and never leave. The approach isn't brutal - more of a steady moorland walk than a proper fell hike - which means families with older kids will manage it without complaint.

Allow a couple of hours return from Settle town centre. It's free to visit, obviously, being a natural landmark. Best visited on a dry day when the paths aren't boggy underfoot. Spring and autumn are your friends here - summer brings crowds, winter can turn muddy fast.

If you're based at one of the local camping spots - Ribblesdale Pods or The Dalesbridge Campsite are both within striking distance - this works as a morning or late-afternoon excursion before settling in for supper. Combine it with a wander round Settle itself or push on to Malham Cove if you want a fuller day out. The walk itself isn't the destination; it's the thinking time and the views that matter.