Bal-Bach

The climb to Bal-Bach rewards you with one of the finest views across the Golden Valley, a proper stretch of the legs that takes about forty minutes from the road. This isn't a dramatic peak - at 1,670 feet it's modest by hill standards - but the patchwork of fields dropping away below you towards Hereford justifies the walk entirely.

It's a straightforward ascent, well-trodden and manageable for anyone with reasonable fitness, though the final push gets a touch steep. On a clear day you can see right across to the Welsh hills. Walkers and photography types will get the most from this one; kids old enough to manage the climb will find it satisfying rather than boring, but younger children might struggle with the push at the end.

The nearest town is Hereford, about three miles away, and you're perfectly placed for the campsite circuit round here - Olchon Valley Campsite and Offas Dyke Retreat sit just a couple of miles away, making this an easy morning or afternoon outing from either. There's no admission charge and no specific opening hours; you just turn up and walk it. Allow a good two hours there and back if you're not rushing, and go when the weather's settled - the views vanish completely in cloud and the grass gets bog-standard slippery.