Larks Hill

The walk up Larks Hill from Ware doesn't take long, but it's steep enough to feel like proper exercise. Once you're at the top, the views across Hertfordshire roll out reasonably far - nothing that'll make you gasp, but enough to justify the climb on a clear day. The hill itself is chalk grassland, which means wildflowers in spring and summer if you time it right. It's the sort of place walkers use as a halfway point rather than a destination in itself. Families with young kids might find it a bit of a slog getting them up there, though the views at the top tend to reward the effort. If you're staying at Church Farm Ardeley nearby, it makes a good morning outing before breakfast gets cold. An hour there and back should cover it comfortably. The main thing is checking the weather - in mist, the summit loses all its appeal. Go when there's actual visibility or don't bother. There's no visitor facilities at the top, so bring your own supplies if you're planning to linger. It's free to access and worth adding to a walking route rather than treating as a standalone visit.