Hail Storm Hill

The climb up Hail Storm Hill takes about forty minutes from Bury, and it's one of those Lancashire peaks that doesn't announce itself loudly but rewards you properly once you're up there. The name alone suggests drama - supposedly it gets hammered by weather more than its neighbours - and standing on top on a clear day, you can see across the Pennines towards Manchester. It's moorland walking at its best: heather underfoot, wide open views, and the kind of quiet you don't find near towns.

Walkers are the people who'll get the most from this. It's not a tourist trap with a cafe at the summit or manicured paths - it's proper fell country. Kids can manage it if they're the outdoor type, though younger legs might find the final stretch tedious. The views excuse the effort, though the weather can turn fast, so go prepared.

There's no charge to walk it, which is how it should be. Allow two to three hours for the round trip depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top. Mornings tend to be clearer than afternoons for visibility.

If you're staying at Dearden Wood or Rossendale Holiday Cottages - both less than five miles away - this makes an excellent half-day outing. Burrs Country Park is even closer and has its own walking routes if you want to combine the two. Autumn is probably the best time, when the heather's in bloom and the light gets that golden quality.