Bush Hill

Bush Hill rises just east of Ware, offering proper views across Hertfordshire's gently rolling countryside. Nothing dramatic - this isn't the Pennines - but on a clear day you get a genuine sense of the surrounding landscape unfolding below you. The walk itself is straightforward enough, taking maybe thirty to forty minutes from town, depending on your pace and how many times you pause to look back.

It's the sort of spot that appeals to local walkers more than destination tourists, which honestly works in its favour. You won't find crowds or gift shops, just grassy paths and quiet. Families with young children might find it a touch dull after the initial scramble to the top - there's no playground or tea room waiting - but teenagers who actually walk without complaining will appreciate the uncluttered feel of it.

The Wild Retreat at Redricks Lake, just a few miles away, makes for a decent base if you're after a longer stay in the area. From there, Bush Hill becomes part of a broader walking circuit rather than a standalone trip. Bring proper boots if it's been wet; the paths can get muddy and the grass slippery. Go in the golden hour before sunset and you'll understand why locals bother with it at all.