Birtley Knoll

The walk up Birtley Knoll rewards you with proper 360-degree views across the Herefordshire hills - the sort of panorama that makes you understand why people bother with peaks in the first place. It's a modest climb by any standard, nothing that'll have you gasping for breath, but the vantage point from the top is genuinely excellent. On a clear day you can pick out the Black Mountains to the west and the Worcester landscape rolling away eastwards. The summit itself is bare and breezy, which means views are never blocked by trees - always a bonus.

This works brilliantly for walkers who want elevation without the full-day commitment of tackling anything serious. Families with reasonably fit kids will manage it without complaint, though younger children might find the final stretch a bit of a trudge. History buffs won't find much up there beyond the landscape itself - it's the walk that matters, not a destination cluttered with interpretation boards.

Rock by Craven Arms and you're perfectly positioned for exploring the wider area. Both Rockbridge Park and Pearl Lake Country Holiday Park are within five miles, making them ideal bases if you fancy combining this with other walks or attractions in the region. Allow two hours return if you're not rushing, perhaps longer if you want to actually sit at the top and enjoy what you've earned. No facilities at the summit, so bring water.