Plush Hill

Standing 402 metres above sea level, this modest summit in the Long Mynd offers sweeping views across the Welsh borders without the crowds you'll find on the bigger hills. The walk up from Church Stretton takes about 45 minutes and while it's a proper climb, the gradient is steady rather than brutal.

From the top, you'll see the Stiperstones ridge to the west and rolling Shropshire countryside stretching in all directions. On a clear day, you can pick out Wenlock Edge and even glimpse the Brecon Beacons. The view is well worth the effort, though don't expect dramatic cliff-edge drama - this is gentle English hill country at its finest.

Families with older children will manage the ascent easily enough, but it's not pushchair territory. Keen walkers often use Plush Hill as part of longer routes along the Long Mynd, while casual visitors find it makes a satisfying half-day outing from Church Stretton.

Timing matters here. Early morning or late afternoon light shows the landscape at its best, and you'll dodge the weekend crowds. Pack layers - it's always windier up top than you expect. The hill works brilliantly as an active day out if you're staying at one of the nearby campsites like Brook House Farm or Small Batch, both within easy driving distance of the trailhead.