Acton Hill

The climb up Acton Hill rewards you with proper views across Staffordshire - nothing dramatic, but on a clear day you can see why locals make the trek. It's not a mountain; we're talking a solid walk rather than a gruelling hike, the sort of thing that takes an hour or so depending on your pace and how often you stop to catch your breath.

This is walker territory, full stop. If you're after a gentle ramble with decent vistas and don't mind a bit of a leg workout, you'll get something out of it. Kids will manage fine if they're used to walking, though there's nothing flashy to hold their attention once you reach the top - no café, no visitor centre, just the satisfaction of having made it up. Families based at Fledgling Farm, a few miles south near Stafford, could slot this into a day's exploring without too much fuss.

The best time is early morning or late afternoon when the light's softer and you won't be trudging up in full sun. Spring and autumn work well. Go when the ground isn't waterlogged - winter mud here is genuinely sticky.

Worth the walk? Yes, if you're in the area and enjoy proper countryside. Don't expect crowds or facilities. Bring water, wear decent boots, and go for the views rather than any grand spectacle. It's honest walking country, and that's precisely the point.