Gallows Hill

The walk up Gallows Hill from Baldock takes about twenty minutes if you're moving at a normal pace. It's not a peak in the dramatic sense - more a proper hill that rises above the surrounding Cambridgeshire flatlands and gives you genuine views across the landscape. On a clear day you can see for miles, which in this part of England means you're actually seeing something worth the climb.

The hill itself is open access, so there's no entrance fee or faffing about with opening times. What you get is a raised vantage point over farmland and the town sprawl below, plus the historical weight of the place - the name tells its own story, though the gallows themselves are long gone. It's a good spot for walkers who want a quick leg-stretch with a payoff, and families won't find it tedious, though there's nothing to do once you're up there except enjoy the view and head back down.

If you're basing yourself at one of the nearby campsites - Ashridge Farm is closest at just over two miles - this makes an easy afternoon outing. Radwell Lake campsite, nearly five miles away, gives you access to both Gallows Hill and the quieter corners of the surrounding Cambridgeshire countryside. Go when the light is good, ideally late afternoon, and you'll see why locals bother with it. Don't expect drama or crowds. Do expect a straightforward walk with a decent perspective on the landscape.