Fell-me-down

The highest point in Essex sounds like a wind-up until you're actually standing on Fell-me-down, realizing this modest 417-foot bump near Tilbury is genuinely the peak of the entire county. It's not a mountain, not even close - more an elevated bit of farmland where you can see across the Thames towards Kent. The walk up takes minutes, not hours, but that's rather the point.

Who'll enjoy it most? Walkers ticking off county high points, families after a quick leg-stretch before heading to one of the local campsites, and anyone who finds satisfaction in reaching the "top" of something, however small. The views are decent on a clear day - proper visibility towards the river and beyond - but you'll want to combine it with other walks in the area rather than plan an entire afternoon around it.

It's free, obviously, and takes about thirty minutes door to door unless you're the type to linger. The nearest proper base would be Barleylands Campsite or Thamesview Camping, both a short drive away. From either, you could knock this off before breakfast or on a lazy afternoon when the weather's decent.

Truth is, Fell-me-down works best as part of a bigger Essex wander rather than a destination in itself. But if you're staying at one of the local parks and fancy claiming you've summited the county's highest point, it's an easy, free tick-box with a surprisingly pleasant view thrown in.