Sticking Hill

The highest point in Essex isn't what you'd call dramatic. Sticking Hill rises to 482 feet near Tilbury, which sounds rather grand until you actually stand on it and realise you're looking out over flat, endless Essex countryside. But that's precisely what makes it worthwhile - the walk up is gentle, manageable for families, and the view across the Thames Valley sprawls out in a way that feels properly rewarding once you're there.

It's the sort of place you'd combine with a wider ramble rather than visit for the peak alone. The surrounding area offers decent walking routes, and on a clear day the far-reaching vistas over farmland and distant industrial landmarks give you a real sense of the county's scale. Children won't find it tiring, and history buffs might appreciate the industrial heritage of the Tilbury area visible from up here.

The hill sits roughly between Thamesview Camping and Barleylands Campsite, both within easy driving distance. If you're based at either site for a few days, Sticking Hill makes an uncomplicated half-morning outing. No entrance fees, no facilities to speak of - just a straightforward climb through Essex countryside. It won't blow your mind, but it's honest work for a modest reward. Go when the weather's settled and you can actually see something. In the rain or mist, there's little point.