Cleeve Toot

The walk up Cleeve Toot rewards you with one of the finest views across the Mendips. It's not a massive climb - the summit sits at 1,083 feet - but the scramble to the top is steep enough to make your legs feel it, especially in summer heat. Once you crest the ridge, you're looking out over Bristol to the north, with the Severn Estuary stretching away beyond. The grassland around the peak is open moorland, properly exposed to the elements, so bring a windproof even on days that look calm lower down.

Walkers will get the most from this. The actual peak is a modest outcrop of stone rather than some dramatic summit, but that's Somerset for you. Allow two to three hours for the round trip from the car park, depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top. There's no cafe, no facilities, just you and the views - which is precisely why people come here. It's the sort of walk that clears your head properly.

You'll want to tackle this on a clear day. Mist rolls in quickly across these hills and you'll lose everything. Spring and autumn are ideal - summer crowds can be present, but nothing like Peak District madness. Winter's fine if you don't mind mud and damp. The nearest significant town is Bristol, though the walk itself sits well within striking distance of several local campsites. Mendip Basecamp Family Adventure Campsite is only 4.5 miles away, making Cleeve Toot an excellent afternoon excursion if you're basing yourself in the area for a few days.