Standedge

The walk up Standedge is proper steep, no two ways about it. This is the highest point on the Pennine Way at 1,999 feet, and you feel every bit of that elevation gain trudging up from Greenfield. On a clear day the views sprawl for miles - you can pick out Winter Hill to the west and the Cheshire Plain beyond. On a grey one, you're basically walking into cloud cover.

Most people come here to bag the altitude rather than linger. It's a trig point job: photograph it, tick it off, head down. Fair enough. The surrounding moorland has a wild, exposed feel that appeals to serious walkers more than casual strollers. Kids might find it punishing rather than fun, especially if the weather turns.

Allow two to three hours for the round trip from Greenfield if you're not rushing. There's no café up top, so bring water and something to eat. Summer's your best bet for visibility, though winter has its own grim appeal if you like that sort of thing.

If you're based at Dovestone Holiday Park nearby, Standedge works well as a morning mission before or after exploring the wider Pennine landscape. It's genuinely rewarding once you're there, but this isn't a gentle park-and-stroll situation. You're committing to a proper hill walk.