Cardington Hill

The walk up Cardington Hill rewards you with proper views across the Shropshire borderlands - the kind of vista that makes the climb worthwhile on a clear day. It's not a monster of a peak, but the terrain is steep enough in places to keep your legs honest, and the exposed moorland at the top feels genuinely wild compared to the pastoral countryside rolled out below.

This is a walkers' destination through and through. Families with teenagers will manage it fine; younger kids might find the final push a slog. History types won't find much in the way of structures up here - it's more about the landscape itself and the views towards the Long Mynd and beyond. Plan on a good hour and a half for the round trip depending on your fitness and how long you linger at the summit.

Willstone sits just south of the hill, making it convenient for a base if you're staying at one of the local camping spots. Alderwood Glamping is closest at just over a mile away, or if you fancy a proper campsite atmosphere, Church Stretton Camp and Fish is less than three miles off - Church Stretton itself has decent amenities and the Long Mynd right on its doorstep for more walking. Mountain Edge Shropshire's log cabins and camping pods are four or so miles away and good if you want something more comfortable after a day on the hills.

It's free to walk, naturally, and there's no time restriction. Early morning in autumn is superb - clearer air, fewer people, and the light proper golden across the moorland.