Snow Hill

Calling it a peak is rather generous - Snow Hill reaches just 72 metres above sea level in the rolling countryside near Windsor. But don't let the modest elevation fool you; this wooded summit offers surprisingly decent views across Bracknell Forest when the leaves are down.

The climb takes about 20 minutes from the nearest car park, following well-marked bridleways through mixed woodland. Families with young children will manage it easily enough, though pushchairs are out of the question on the rougher sections near the top. Horse riders use these paths regularly, so keep an ear out.

What makes Snow Hill worth the short detour is its position in the wider network of forest walks. You can easily combine it with longer rambles through the surrounding heathland, and it's a proper gentle introduction to hill walking for kids who think anything above a speed bump counts as mountaineering.

The summit itself is fairly unremarkable - a small clearing with a few benches and views filtered through trees. Winter visits work best when you can actually see something beyond the immediate canopy.

Staying at any of the holiday parks around Chertsey or Windsor puts you within easy reach of Snow Hill and the broader Bracknell Forest area. It's a decent leg-stretcher rather than a destination in itself, but perfectly pleasant for an hour's wander when the weather's cooperating.