Waile Hill

The walk up Waile Hill isn't long, but it pays proper dividends. You're looking at maybe 30 minutes from York's outskirts to reach the summit - nothing dramatic in height terms, but the views across the Vale of York open up nicely as you climb. On a clear day you can see right across the flat lands towards the Pennines in the distance, which is rather special when you consider how much of Yorkshire is just gentle rolling country.

It's the kind of walk that suits families who want fresh air without a slog, or anyone using one of the nearby caravan parks - Nurseries Caravan Park is barely three miles away, and Wighill Park Glamping closer still if you fancy a bit of comfort. You won't need more than an hour total, which means it works as a morning outing before heading into York itself for lunch.

Don't expect any facilities up top. It's just a grassy peak with enough of a viewpoint to make the effort worthwhile. Walkers get the most from it, especially those doing a string of North Yorkshire walks rather than treating it as a standalone pilgrimage. The terrain's straightforward enough - no scrambling, no technical bits - though it can be muddy after rain. Go when the ground's firm and the skies are clear, and you'll understand why locals bother with it at all.