Black Bank

Black Bank sits just outside Crewe, a proper modest hill that doesn't announce itself with fanfare but rewards a decent walk. The peak itself offers a straightforward ramble through Cheshire countryside - nothing dramatic, but the views across the flatlands around Crewe stretch further than you'd expect from somewhere so understated.

It's the sort of walk that suits families who want a bit of exercise without the scrambling or exposed drops that come with proper peaks. Children will manage it fine, though don't expect thrills - this is about the satisfaction of reaching the top rather than gasping at vistas. The surrounding area is gently rolling rather than spectacular, and a good hour gets you up and back down comfortably.

Honest assessment: if you're already in the area staying somewhere like Tipsy Tree Glamping, it's worth tacking on to your itinerary. But it's not the sort of destination you'd drive across the region specifically for. The route works best on clearer days when visibility rewards the climb. Winter can turn it muddy and less appealing, so spring through autumn is the better bet.

What appeals here is simplicity. No facilities to speak of, no entry fees, just a walk that gets you outdoors and moving. It fits perfectly into a relaxed park holiday where you're not chasing Instagram moments - just spending a couple of hours properly stretching your legs before heading back for tea.