Bardon Hill

The granite outcrop rises abruptly from the surrounding landscape about four miles west of Leicester, commanding views across Charnwood Forest. Bardon Hill, at 278 metres, is the highest point in Leicestershire - though calling it a mountain might be generous. What it lacks in stature it makes up for in accessibility and the peculiar rocky terrain you scramble over once you reach the summit.

It's a proper walk rather than a casual stroll. The path winds through woodland before opening onto exposed moorland, and those final few hundred metres involve clambering over boulders and granite tors. Most people manage the full circuit in ninety minutes to two hours, depending on pace. The view from the top sweeps across the Midlands plains in most directions, and on a clear day you can pick out Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire on the horizon. It's less dramatic than you might hope, but there's something satisfying about standing on the highest point in the county.

Families with younger kids might find the rocky scramble at the end a bit much - it's not dangerous, but it requires concentration and a reasonable head for heights. Walkers and geology enthusiasts will get more from it, especially those interested in Charnwood's glacial history. The exposed granite has been quarried here for centuries.

It's completely free, of course. Early morning or late afternoon beats midday for light and crowds. Pair it with Bradgate Park five miles away for a proper day out - or base yourself at Charnwood Acres Caravan Park nearby if you're staying a few nights.