Stony Hill

The walk up Stony Hill takes maybe twenty minutes from Ware, and it's steep enough that you'll feel you've earned the view at the top. It's not exactly Alpine - we're talking 400-odd feet of elevation - but on a clear day you can see across the Lea Valley with proper countryside stretching out towards Hertfordshire's quieter corners.

What you actually get is a modest peak with some rocky outcrops that give the place its name, and a landscape that rewards walkers more than it impresses casual visitors. Bring the family if they're keen hikers aged eight and up; younger kids might find the climb tedious for minimal payoff. The terrain's manageable in decent boots, though it can be muddy after rain.

Go in late afternoon when the light's good and Ware has thinned out a bit. There's no café, no facilities - just the walk, the hill, and the view. Budget an hour and a half if you're taking it slow and want to sit at the top for a bit.

If you're based at The Wild Retreat at Redricks Lake, it's a straightforward drive to the trailhead, making this a solid half-day excursion that won't tire everyone out before dinner. It's not a day-tripper's destination on its own, but paired with exploring Ware itself or other walks in the area, it fills a morning nicely. Honest assessment: worth doing if you're in the region, but don't rearrange your plans specially for it.