Thornberry Hill

You won't find drama at Thornberry Hill - it's barely a blip on the Cambridgeshire landscape, barely 70 metres above sea level. But that's rather the point. This is the sort of spot you stumble upon while exploring the gentle, rolling countryside east of Royston, where the horizon stretches forever and the wind has nothing to slow it down. The walk up takes minutes, not hours, which makes it ideal for families with younger legs or anyone after a proper leg-stretch between caravan sites.

The view itself is honest rather than spectacular. On a clear day you'll see across the plain towards Suffolk and Essex, farmland rolling away in neat squares. It's the kind of landscape that reminds you why the Fens matter - there's a purity to it, no pretension. Walkers passing through appreciate it as a natural checkpoint on longer rambles through the area. Bring a flask and sit for a bit; that's what Thornberry Hill is for.

Free and always accessible, it works perfectly as a morning outing from Shepreth Mill or Guilden Gate - both within easy reach for a quick visit before breakfast or after tea. Don't expect facilities or crowds. Allow 20 minutes unless you're the type to linger and really drink in the emptiness. Worth the detour if you're staying locally and like your views unadorned.