Hob Hill

The climb up Hob Hill isn't much to write home about, if I'm being honest. It's a modest peak just outside Stafford that rises to barely 300 metres, and the walk takes somewhere around 45 minutes up and back depending on your fitness. The views from the top sweep across the Staffordshire countryside - decent enough on a clear day, though nothing that'll stop you dead in your tracks.

What makes it worth the trip is its simplicity. There's no cafe to queue at, no entrance fee, no crowds. You just turn up and walk. It's the sort of place families can manage without too much fuss, and walkers using it as a warm-up before tackling something more ambitious won't feel shortchanged. The paths are straightforward, which means even with kids you won't spend half your time arguing about which fork to take.

If you're staying at Copper Beech Glamping just down the road, it's practically on your doorstep - a proper bonus when the weather's playing ball. The bigger parks like High Onn or Fledgling Farm are a short drive away too, making it an easy half-morning activity before heading to more demanding walks elsewhere in the region. Go early if you're after peace and quiet; late afternoon can bring a trickle of local dog walkers.

Not transformative, but solid. The sort of thing you'll be glad you did, even if you forget about it by next week.