Harter's Hill

You're looking at roughly 300 metres of Somerset limestone, and from the top of Harter's Hill the whole Mendip plateau spreads out beneath you like someone's laid out a map. It's not a dramatic scramble - more a proper walk that builds gradually, taking you up through farmland on the approach from Wells. The climb takes the best part of an hour, depending on your pace and how often you stop to catch your breath.

What makes it worth the effort is the view. On a clear day you can see right across to Glastonbury Tor, and the surrounding countryside unfolds in those rolling waves Somerset does so well. It's the kind of spot that rewards you for showing up - no queues, no visitor centre, just the landscape and whatever weather you've drawn that day.

Walkers will find their time well spent here, particularly those already exploring the Mendips. Families with reasonably fit kids (say, eight and upwards) won't struggle, though younger children might find the ascent tedious. History types will appreciate that you're standing on ground that's been managed and walked for centuries - this isn't wilderness, it's farmed Somerset.

Since Wells is barely two miles away and hosts several camping spots - Cathedral View Glamping and Wells Touring Park are both close - you could easily string this into a longer walking day. Pair it with a wander around Wells itself and you've got a proper half-day sorted. Bring decent boots; the path can get boggy after rain.