Trenchern Hills

The walk up Trenchern Hills rewards you with proper views across Hertfordshire - nothing dramatic, but on a clear day you can see for miles across farmland that rolls away in every direction. It's not a peak in the Alpine sense; we're talking gentle climbing through countryside east of Stevenage, the kind of walk that takes an hour or so depending on your pace and how often you stop to catch your breath.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's not a destination that screams "bring the kids for the afternoon" - there's no café, no visitor centre, just open land and decent footpaths. But if you're staying at Church Farm Ardeley nearby, it's a solid half-day outing, especially if the weather's playing ball. The views justify the effort, and you won't be fighting crowds to enjoy them.

Go early morning or late afternoon when the light's better and the paths quieter. Spring and autumn are your best bets - summer can get muggy, and winter mud is genuine misery here. Allow a couple of hours for a relaxed walk with photo stops. It's free to access, obviously, being open countryside.

As a break from the holiday park routine, it does the job well. You're looking at genuine Hertfordshire rather than manicured attractions, which some will love and others will find a bit underwhelming. Honest assessment: it's worth the drive if you're keen on walking, less so if you need facilities or a proper landmark.