Beacon Hill

The walk up Beacon Hill rewards you with proper views across the Chilterns - on a clear day you can see right across to the ridge, which makes the modest 260-metre climb worthwhile. It's not dramatic, not the sort of peak that makes your legs scream, but it's a solid local favourite that works well if you're based near Berkhamsted and want to stretch your legs without committing to hours.

From the top you get a sense of how the land rolls here - gentle, rolling, the sort of English countryside that looks better from above than from the road. The beech woods that cover much of the Chilterns create this natural frame around the summit, and on weekends you'll spot families pottering about, which tells you something about how accessible this is.

Walkers should give themselves a couple of hours there and back, depending on fitness. The terrain is straightforward - nothing technical, nothing that'll catch you out. History types will appreciate that this is proper ancient landscape, though there's not much in the way of visible monuments or plaques to spell it out for you.

If you're staying at one of the camping spots - Chiltern Yurts or Merlin Farm are closest - this makes an easy morning outing before you head toward Whipsnade Zoo or explore other parts of the Chiltern ridge. It's the sort of walk you fit in without fanfare, but you'll feel better for having done it. No facilities at the summit itself, so bring what you need.