Nap Hill

The walk up Nap Hill rewards you with views across the Somerset levels that stretch for miles. It's a proper climb - steep enough that you'll feel it in your legs, but nothing that requires specialist kit or hours of your time. The summit sits just south of Bath, making it an ideal escape from the city's tourist crush without needing to drive far.

What you're doing up there is straightforward. Walking. The hill itself is modest in height but the openness of the landscape makes it feel bigger than it is. On a clear day you can see right across the flatlands below, and the contrast between the summit and the lowlands makes the effort feel worthwhile. Weather matters here - come on a grey day and you're just walking up a muddy slope. Come when it's crisp and clear, and you get something special.

This suits walkers far more than casual visitors. It's not a spot where you pop out of the car, take a photo, and leave. You'll want a good hour minimum, longer if you're meandering. Families with older kids who don't mind a proper walk will get on fine with it. Toddlers and those after an easy stroll should look elsewhere.

Bath Mill Lodge Retreat sits within reach for a day trip, and pairing this walk with a morning or afternoon in Bath itself makes solid sense. The walk clears your head before facing the crowds at the Roman Baths. Free to access, obviously - it's a hill. Go early or late in the day if you want any peace.