Huntsham Hill

The walk up Huntsham Hill rewards you with proper views across the Wye Valley - the sort of panorama that justifies a bit of leg work. It's not particularly high or dramatic, but on a clear day you can see right across Gloucestershire towards the Forest of Dean, and that alone makes the effort worthwhile.

The hill sits just outside Ross-on-Wye, so access is straightforward. There's no visitor infrastructure to speak of, which means you're not paying anything and you won't encounter crowds. The walk itself takes about an hour return from the car park area, depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top. It's fairly gentle going rather than a proper scramble.

Walkers will get the most from this one. The views matter more than any dramatic features or attractions at the summit, so if you're after facilities or entertainment, you'll be disappointed. That said, if you're camping at Doward Park or Bracelands nearby, it's exactly the sort of local escape that makes a holiday in the area worthwhile - you can slip away for a morning walk without driving anywhere.

Best visited when visibility is good, so avoid misty days. Go early to avoid other walkers, though you're unlikely to see many anyway. The surrounding area has enough walking routes to keep you occupied for several days, making it ideal if you're based at one of the local campsites for a week.