Little Black Hill

The views from Little Black Hill are worth the short drive west of Hereford, especially if you're camping nearby at Kaya at Blackhill Farm or one of the other sites dotting the Olchon Valley. It's a proper picnic spot rather than a destination in itself - somewhere to spread a blanket, open a flask, and look across the borderlands towards the Black Mountains.

There's not much to it, which is rather the point. You get a car park, a handful of benches, and grass sloping away to the views. The walk from the car is minimal, making it ideal if you've got small children in tow or simply can't face anything demanding after a week of actual hiking. The elevation gives you genuine distance across the landscape without the effort.

Timing-wise, mid-morning works best before the weather turns or other visitors arrive. It's free, and there's no faffing about with opening hours. An hour here slots nicely into a wider day exploring the area - Offas Dyke Retreat or Chapel House Farm provide reasonable bases if you're planning to stay put for a few days.

Is it worth a special trip? Not really. But if you're camping in Herefordshire and the rain's just cleared, or you need a gentle break from the heavier walks in the Black Mountains nearby, it serves its purpose. The views are decent rather than stunning, but there's something to be said for a low-key spot where the kettle goes on without ceremony.