Baldon Hill

The walk up Baldon Hill takes about twenty minutes from the village below, and you'll know you've made it when the Oxfordshire landscape suddenly spreads out in every direction. It's not dramatic - no dramatic drops or Alpine views - but on a clear day you can see far enough to make the climb worthwhile. The hill itself is modest, more of a proper hill walk than a fell scramble, and the path is straightforward enough for families to manage without fussing.

What you get here is perspective. Standing at the top, Wallingford sits visible to the north, and the whole Thames Valley opens up in soft green folds. Walkers will appreciate the walk more than peak-baggers - this isn't about bragging rights, it's about a decent leg-stretcher with a decent view at the end. The slope's gentle enough that kids won't complain halfway up, though you're looking at a round trip of forty minutes or so if you're moving at a sensible pace.

Free to access, naturally. Best visited on a dry day when visibility's good - a misty afternoon makes the whole exercise feel a bit pointless. If you're based at one of the nearby campsites - Ridgeway View is closest at 5.4 miles - Baldon Hill makes an easy morning outing before heading to bigger attractions in the area. It's the sort of walk that fills an hour nicely rather than defining your day, but that's precisely what makes it useful. No faffing about with tickets or planning - just turn up and walk.