Sunnt Hill

Views across the Fleet Lagoon and Chesil Beach stretch for miles from this modest Dorset summit, making the steady climb through gorse and grassland properly worthwhile. Sunnt Hill sits just west of Weymouth, offering a different perspective from the usual coastal paths - you're looking down at the famous pebble ridge rather than walking along it.

Families with older children will manage the ascent fine, though toddlers might find it hard going. The path can get muddy after rain, so decent walking boots are sensible. There's no formal car park, just roadside spaces near the base.

What makes this spot special is the 360-degree panorama once you reach the top. Portland Bill dominates the eastern horizon, while inland you can pick out the rolling chalk downs. On clear days, the view stretches well beyond Weymouth Bay.

Allow an hour for the round trip, longer if you fancy a proper picnic at the summit. Early morning visits often reward you with deer sightings in the surrounding countryside. The hill works well as part of a longer walking day, or as a quick leg-stretcher if you're staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Haven Weymouth Bay or Littlesea - both are less than five miles away.