Pike Low

The walk up Pike Low rewards you with proper views across the Hope Valley - one of those Derbyshire peaks that doesn't demand mountaineer's legs but gives you the sense of having actually earned the climb. It's a Bronze Age barrow, so there's archaeological meat on the bones here, though what you're really after is the summit and the panorama across to Mam Tor and the surrounding grit stone edges.

The ascent from Hope Valley takes the best part of an hour depending on your pace and which approach you fancy. It's steep enough to get the blood pumping but not so brutal that families with older kids will struggle. The ground underfoot varies - muddy patches after rain, loose stones in places - so proper boots aren't a luxury.

This suits walkers who've got the Peak District bug and want something beyond the tourist honeypots. If you're after a casual stroll, look elsewhere. If you're camping nearby at Laneside Caravan Park or Castleton and want a half-day excursion with real character, Pike Low slots in perfectly.

Allow two to three hours return, depending on how long you linger at the top. Go early on a weekend or midweek if you can - the weather here changes quick, and morning light tends to be kinder to the views. Free, obviously. No facilities at the summit, so bring water.