Beacon Hill

The walk up Beacon Hill from Lydney takes about forty minutes if you're not stopping, but most people do - the views across the Forest of Dean get better with every step. It's not a mountain by any stretch, more a proper hill that rewards your effort with a 360-degree perspective of the Gloucestershire countryside rolling away in all directions.

On a clear day you can see right across to Wales. On a hazy one, you get moody forest and fields as far as the eye travels. The summit itself is modest - no cafe, no facilities, just grass and the feeling you've earned your packed lunch. Families with older kids will manage it fine; younger ones might find the steady climb a bit much on a hot day.

Walkers get the most from this one. The route isn't technically challenging, but it's steady and the payoff is genuine. Bring proper footwear because the paths can get boggy, especially after rain. Allow two hours return if you're going at a relaxed pace and actually enjoying the views rather than rushing.

Stay at one of the nearby campsites - Forest and Wye Valley is closest at 3.6 miles - and you can tackle Beacon Hill as part of a wider Forest of Dean ramble. It works well with other peak walks in the area, though on its own it's more of a bracing morning rather than a full day's outing. Go when the weather's settled. On a grey, drizzly day, you might trudge to the top and see absolutely nothing.