Gibraltar Rocks

The walk up to Gibraltar Rocks near Sheffield is properly steep - no messing about. You're climbing through woodland for the best part of an hour, and your legs will know about it by the time you reach the top. Worth it though. The rocks themselves sit at around 1,200 feet and give you a crackling view across the Peak District that stretches for miles on a clear day.

Once you're up there, the outcrop is dramatic. Weathered gritstone cliffs drop away sharply, and on windy days you feel genuinely exposed - brilliant for anyone who likes that sense of height without needing ropes and harnesses. The scramble around the rocks themselves is straightforward if you've got reasonable balance, though keep an eye on younger kids; it's not dangerous but there are drops to respect.

Historically, the rocks have been a landmark for centuries - walkers and hikers have been making this pilgrimage long enough that it's become one of those Peak District classics. The walk takes about two hours return from the car park, depending on fitness. If you're staying at East Peak Campsite or Wyming Brook Farm Campsite, both within a few miles, this makes a solid half-day outing. It works equally well as a standalone expedition from Sheffield itself.

Summer's the obvious time to go, but autumn can be stunning if you catch a clear afternoon. The ground gets boggy and slippery after heavy rain, so check conditions first. Free to visit, naturally - it's just open moorland.