Alsagers Bank

The walk up Alsagers Bank rewards you with views across Cheshire that stretch properly far on a clear day. It's not a towering summit - more of a determined climb through farmland and moorland just outside Crewe - but the effort pays off once you reach the top.

You get proper panoramic views across the Potteries and into Wales if visibility's decent. The surrounding moorland has that wild, open feel you don't expect this close to an industrial town. Walkers will find it worthwhile, though don't expect dramatic peaks or fell-walker drama. This is more gentle Cheshire countryside than Lake District theatrics.

There's no visitor centre or facilities to speak of - it's straightforward moorland walking. Allow an hour or so for the ascent and a bit of roaming around the top, depending on fitness. The best approach is from the north near Alsager, and it works brilliantly as a morning or afternoon walk if you're staying at nearby Tipsy Tree Glamping. You could easily combine it with other local walking routes in the area without overcommitting your day.

Go when the weather's clear - cloudy days strip away what makes it worth the leg work. It's free, naturally, and the moorland's accessible year-round, though it can be boggy after rain so decent boots are sensible. Families with older kids who don't mind a proper walk will get something from it, but little ones might find it a bit dull - just moorland, no shops or attractions at the summit.