East Chinnock Hill

The walk up East Chinnock Hill rewards you with one of those views that makes you forget about the climb. It's a proper little summit near Crewkerne, the kind of place where you can see across Somerset and into Dorset on a clear day - the rolling countryside just keeps going. Nothing fancy up here, just grass, sky, and the satisfaction of having got to the top.

This is walkers' territory. The ascent isn't brutal, but it's steep enough that you'll notice it, and the payoff is genuine rather than gimmicky. History types will find the Iron Age fort earthworks interesting if they're into that sort of thing, though you need to know what you're looking at. Kids who actually like walking will get on with it fine; those who need theme parks won't. Allow a couple of hours for the round trip if you're not moving quickly.

Timing matters here. Go early to beat the light crowds, and avoid midday in summer when the exposed top offers zero shade. Spring and autumn are proper lovely - the views are clearer and you won't be melting. The whole thing is free, obviously, being a hill.

If you're staying at Esme's Escape or Swallowfield, both within easy driving distance, this makes a solid morning out before heading back for lunch. It's the kind of walk that connects you to the landscape rather than ticking a box - the sort of thing you'll actually remember.