Race Yate

The walk up to Race Yate from Barnard Castle is a proper hill walk, not a gentle stroll. You're climbing to a windswept peak in the North Pennines where the views stretch across Teesdale on a clear day - the kind of vista that makes the leg-burn worthwhile. It's a fell, basically, with moorland underfoot and enough elevation to feel like you've actually earned something by the time you reach the top.

This is walkers' territory, full stop. If you're after a proper hike with some grunt to it, Race Yate delivers. Families with young kids will struggle - it's steep and exposed in places, and there's nothing at the summit itself except wind and bracken. History enthusiasts might find something in the landscape, but you're not walking into a visitor centre or anything polished.

Timing-wise, allow three hours from Barnard Castle town centre for a round trip including the climb. Go in decent weather - the moorland can turn grim quickly in rain. There's no admission cost because it's open fell, though you'll need proper boots and a map.

If you're camped at one of the nearby sites - The Old Armoury is closest at 3.6 miles - Race Yate makes a solid half-day addition to exploring Teesdale. It's the kind of walk where you get your money's worth in effort and views, rather than in facilities or things to do at the top. That's not a criticism. That's what walking fells is.