Pinker's Pond, surprising speed & paddling in a slow river: if you take the road out of Middleham towards Kettlewell, you'll almost immediately notice the flatter grassy area on the right where you can park close to Pinker's Pond. It's a calm tarn, much loved by waterfowl, and close to a sight that takes newer visitors by surprise.
Walk away from the road, up the incline and you'll find yourself on top of the world. Or at least that's what it feels like - a huge expanse of open space a world apart. Take care though: these are the Middleham Gallops, where nearby racehorse stables train their horses and jockeys. It's exhilarating to watch them exercise at close quarters, feeling the rush of air as they gallop by. Follow the white fencing and you'll eventually see a trig point in the middle of the open space. Make sure dogs are on a lead and you stay off the gallops themselves - the horses suddenly thunder by and can take you by surprise. I find the best time to see them is in the morning.
There are fine vantage points from the gallops and it can be a lovely bracing walk to follow the route right around. If you come back down towards the tarn and cross over the road, there's a lovely short walk down the hill towards the River Cover, a good place to paddle when the water's low and slow.