Coombe Hill

The highest point in Buckinghamshire sits at 260 metres, and on a clear day the views stretch all the way to the Cotswolds. Coombe Hill is a proper walk rather than a casual stroll - the climb is steep enough to make you work for it, but nothing that'll defeat most people with decent fitness.

What you actually get up there is a monument to the Boer War and one of those rare moments where the South East feels genuinely spacious. The chalk downland landscape rolls away in all directions, and there's a real sense of achievement when you reach the top. It's the kind of place where you understand why people bother with walking boots.

History types will appreciate the monument, but honestly this is best for anyone who wants actual views without travelling three hours. The nearest town of Aylesbury is close enough that it works well as a morning or afternoon excursion. Allow a good two hours if you're doing the full circular walk from the car park - the descent can be rough on the knees.

Stay at Hill Farm Camping or Orchard View Farm, both within four miles, and you've got a solid base. Coombe Hill works perfectly as part of a longer Chilterns walking holiday - it's challenging enough to feel rewarding without being exhausting. Worth the detour if you're in the area, though don't expect solitude at weekends.