Upper Hey

Upper Hey sits on the edge of the Peak District proper, just far enough from Sheffield's sprawl that you feel properly out in the hills. It's a modest summit rather than dramatic - the views stretch across moorland and farmland rather than plunging into gorges - but that's rather the point. This is walkers' territory, the kind of place where you pop up for an hour's ramble rather than spend the afternoon queuing.

The approach depends where you're coming from. Most people tackle it from nearby footpaths that cross the moorland, and the walking itself is straightforward without being boring. The plateau at the top gives you breathing space and genuine views across South Yorkshire when the weather plays ball. It's the sort of peak that rewards being visited in decent conditions - come in mist and you'll honestly wonder what the fuss is about.

This works well if you're based at one of the local campsites - Hoodlands Farm or Thurlmoor Farm are both within spitting distance - as part of a broader Peak District walking trip rather than a destination in itself. Solo walkers and serious ramblers will appreciate the solitude. Families with younger kids might find it a bit anticlimactic unless they're genuinely keen hikers. Allow a couple of hours return including a rest at the top, and aim for late morning when the light's decent and you've got decent visibility. Spring and autumn usually offer the best conditions.