The Ridge

The Ridge is a proper fell walk that rewards you with the kind of views that make you understand why people get obsessed with Lancashire's uplands. It's not a dramatic peak - nothing towering or Alpine - but it's a genuine hill with a decent ascent that'll get your heart working, especially if you've come from Clitheroe way.

The walk itself takes you through moorland and onto open fell, with the Ribble Valley spreading out below you in one direction and Pendle Hill commanding attention to the north. On a clear day you can see right across to the Lake District fells, which isn't bad going for something under 2,000 feet. Most people allow between two and three hours depending on how much time they spend mucking about at the top with a flask and a sandwich.

This is the sort of walk that suits families with older kids and seasoned hill walkers equally well. It's not technically demanding, but you need reasonable fitness and decent boots - the ground gets boggy in places. Spring and autumn are cracking times to go, when the moorland shows some colour and the light's lower and warmer.

If you're camped at somewhere like Clitheroe Camping and Caravanning Club Site or Pendle View Holiday Park, The Ridge works brilliantly as a half-day outing. Combine it with a wander round Clitheroe itself - the castle's worth half an hour - and you've got a solid day sorted. The access is straightforward from the town, which saves you faffing about with satnav.