Ashton Heights

The walk up to Ashton Heights rewards you with proper countryside views across Northamptonshire - the kind that remind you why the Midlands gets overlooked despite being genuinely worth your time. It's not dramatic stuff. You won't be gasping at Alpine peaks or anything daft like that. But standing here looking out over the rolling farmland towards Towcester and beyond, it's the sort of place that makes sense as part of a proper walking day rather than a standalone trip.

This is walker territory, honestly. If you're the type who likes a gentle climb with actual purpose - rather than just trudging round a park - you'll get something from it. Families with younger kids might find the effort outweighs the payoff unless you're already in the area. The ascent is manageable but it's not nothing, and once you're up there, the appeal is the view and the air, not facilities or activities. No café, no visitor centre nonsense.

If you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - The Home Farm CL is closest at under three miles, or Blisworth Park a bit further out - it makes a decent morning outing before heading somewhere more structured for lunch. Pair it with a walk through the surrounding countryside and you've got a half-day sorted. Go early or late in the day to dodge the light getting too harsh, and wear proper shoes because it can get muddy after rain. It's the sort of spot that's better in spring or autumn when the air's clearer and you're not melting.