Black Mountain South Top

The walk up Black Mountain South Top takes you through proper Herefordshire countryside, climbing steadily from the Olchon Valley towards a summit that rewards you with views across three counties. It's not dramatic in the Alpine sense - no jagged peaks or vertiginous drops - but there's something satisfying about reaching the top and recognising the landscape rolling away in every direction.

You're looking at roughly two hours' walking from Hereford, including the climb itself. The paths are well-trodden but can be muddy after rain, so decent boots matter. This is walkers' territory, genuinely. Families with young children might find the ascent a bit relentless, though older kids who enjoy hiking will get plenty from it. History types will appreciate the Bronze Age barrows dotted across the moorland - tangible reminders that people have been standing on these slopes for millennia.

The peak itself is unremarkable at first glance - no cairn, no trig point, just open moorland - but the 360-degree perspective is the real draw. On a clear day you'll spot the Black Mountains proper to the west and the Wye Valley spreading out below.

If you're based at Olchon Valley Campsite or Kaya at Blackhill Farm, you're practically on the doorstep. Even from the other local sites like Chapel House Farm, it's an easy drive to the trailhead. Free to access, naturally. Allow three hours if you're taking photographs and soaking in the views rather than marching straight up and down.