Rough Hill

The walk up Rough Hill, just outside Banbury, won't take your breath away - the summit sits at barely 250 metres - but it's exactly the sort of unassuming Oxfordshire bump that rewards a half-hour ramble with proper views across the Midlands. On a clear day you can see the edge of the Cotswolds folding away to the south, and it's one of those places where you genuinely feel like you're standing on something, even if it's not exactly Alpine.

It's a straightforward ascent from the surrounding countryside, nothing technical or demanding, which makes it ideal for families with older kids or anyone after a gentle walk without the Cotswold crowds. The real appeal is the solitude - you won't queue here, and chances are you'll have the hilltop to yourself most days. Walkers heading through the area often skip it entirely in favour of bigger attractions, which is their loss.

There's no visitor centre or facilities at the summit itself, so come prepared with a packed lunch if you're making an afternoon of it. Free to access, naturally - it's just a working piece of countryside. The nearby campsites at Crofts Barn and Shire Camping make it convenient for anyone basing themselves in the Banbury area, though it's really the sort of detour you'd do rather than somewhere you'd plan a trip around. Best visited in late morning when the light's kinder and you've got the day ahead of you.