Heavy Hill

You won't find a dramatic summit here - Heavy Hill is Essex doing what it does best, which is gently sloping upwards without much fuss. At 421 feet, it's the county's highest point, though calling it a peak feels generous when you're standing on it. The views across the flat East Anglian landscape stretch out in all directions, which is precisely why you'd bother coming. On a clear day, you can see across the rolling countryside towards Royston, and the walk up is straightforward enough for families without being boring.

It's the kind of place walkers appreciate more than casual visitors. You won't get crowds here - that's partly because there's no visitor centre, no car park, and no particular fanfare about the spot. You'll need to walk in from the nearby lanes, which adds to the charm if you like your peaks unmanicured. The terrain is accessible year-round, though winter muddy patches can catch you out.

If you're camping at Pightle Farm Campsite just three miles away, Heavy Hill makes a decent morning expedition. It's not a full-day affair - you're looking at an hour or so to get up, have a look around, and come back down - but it slots nicely into a broader walking holiday in the area. Bring decent boots rather than trainers, and don't expect a cafe at the top. It's honest, unpretentious, and does exactly what a county highpoint should do.