Fenny Castle Hill

Standing at 193 metres, this Somerset summit offers proper views across the Mendip Hills without the crowds that flock to better-known peaks. The climb from Wells takes about 45 minutes through farmland and scrubby woodland, with the final stretch getting your heart pumping a bit. Worth it though - from the top you can see right across to Glastonbury Tor on a clear day. The hill sits on ancient limestone, part of the same geological formation that created Cheddar Gorge, and there's evidence of Iron Age settlement if you know where to look. Families with older children will enjoy the walk, but it's probably too much for little ones - the path can be muddy after rain and there are no facilities up there. Keen walkers often combine it with other Mendip routes, making a proper day of it. The summit itself is fairly open grassland, so bring layers as it can be breezy even on warm days. Best visited in morning light when the views are sharpest. If you're staying at one of the nearby parks like Wells Touring Park or Cathedral View Glamping, this makes a cracking half-day adventure. Just remember it's working farmland, so stick to the footpaths and keep dogs on leads.