Brink Brow

The walk up to Brink Brow takes you through proper Cheshire countryside, climbing steadily from the flatlands around Macclesfield towards one of the highest points in the area. It's not a mountain - nothing dramatic like the Peak District peaks you'll find further south - but the views back across the lowlands make the effort worthwhile. On a clear day you can see right across the Cheshire plains, which is genuinely impressive given how unremarkable the terrain seems from below.

The path itself is straightforward, though it can get muddy in wet weather. Allow about an hour for a relaxed walk up and back down, longer if you're bringing younger kids or want to stop for a breather at the top. There's nowhere to buy refreshments at the summit, so pack a flask and some snacks. The best light for photographs is late afternoon when the sun sits lower and picks out the patchwork fields below.

If you're staying at Eastwood End Caravan Park - a solid, well-maintained site just a couple of miles away - Brink Brow works as a half-day outing. It won't keep energetic teenagers entertained for hours, but for walkers and anyone after a bit of fresh air and perspective on the landscape, it does the job. The approach from Macclesfield town is easy to find, and there's basic parking available where the footpaths start. Worth combining with exploring the town itself rather than making it a standalone trip.