Hartley Hill

The walk up Hartley Hill rewards you with proper views across the Cotswolds - nothing dramatic, but on a clear day you can see for miles. It's a modest peak by any standard, yet the climb feels satisfying enough, especially if you're based at one of the glamping spots just down the road like Big Skies or Star Glamping.

What you get here is straightforward: a viewpoint, fresh air, and the kind of walk that doesn't demand fell boots or mountaineering experience. The summit itself is exposed rather than sheltered, so wind can pick up, but that's partly what makes the views so clean. You're looking at rolling countryside, not a tourist trap with gift shops and queues.

Walkers will find this worthwhile, particularly families who want something achievable without the drama of longer Cotswold routes. Allow an hour for the round trip if you're moving at a decent pace. Spring and autumn tend to be best - summer can feel a bit airless down in the valleys, and winter muddles the paths in patches.

If you're camping or glamping nearby - Cheltenham Racecourse site is close enough for a morning excursion - it's a natural add-on to a weekend. The town itself is just minutes away, so you're not isolated. It's the kind of walk you do because you're in the area rather than travel specifically for, but that doesn't make it any less worth doing.