Hungry Hill

The walk up Hungry Hill rewards you with proper views across West Berkshire, though calling it a peak feels generous - it's 249 metres and you'll summit it in well under an hour from Reading. Still, it's a solid outing if you're staying locally and fancy something bracing without the faffing about with full hiking kit.

The ascent is straightforward rather than technical. You get a real sense of the landscape from up there, rolling countryside stretching out towards the distant hills. On a clear day it's genuinely worth the walk. The approach paths are well-trodden, which means either they're good or they're worn to slop depending on recent weather - I'd check conditions before heading out in winter.

For families staying at Ravenswing Park just over a mile away, this makes a decent half-morning venture. The route is manageable for older kids who don't mind a bit of climbing, though younger ones might find it a slog. Seasoned walkers will knock it off quickly and move on to explore the wider South Berkshire walking network.

The real appeal here is the location relative to Reading. You're close enough to combine it with other activities - a proper day out rather than a destination in itself. Free to access, no facilities on the hill itself, so pack water and snacks. Go early if weather's uncertain; the views can vanish into murk by afternoon. It's not spectacular, but it's genuinely pleasant and well worth the detour if you're in the area.