Cow Ridge

Rolling moorland gives way to surprisingly dramatic views from this often-overlooked summit in the Shropshire Hills. Cow Ridge sits just north of Church Stretton, offering walkers a proper challenge without the crowds that flock to the Long Mynd's more famous peaks.

Getting up here requires a decent level of fitness - the climb from Church Stretton takes about 90 minutes of steady going through heather and bracken. But the payoff is worth every huffing step. On a clear day, you can see across to the Welsh hills and down into the Severn Valley, with the distinctive outline of the Wrekin standing proud to the east.

This is definitely one for serious walkers rather than families with young children. The terrain can be boggy after rain, and there's precious little shelter if the weather turns. Come prepared with proper boots and waterproofs - the Shropshire Hills don't mess about when it comes to changeable conditions.

For those staying at nearby sites like Mountain Edge Shropshire or Green Caravan Park, it makes an excellent full-day expedition when combined with a pub lunch back in Church Stretton. The town's well-stocked outdoor shops are handy for any last-minute kit you might need before tackling the ridge.