Warren Hill

Warren Hill isn't exactly Snowdon. Standing at 147 metres, it's more of a modest bump on the Essex-Hertfordshire border east of Chingford, but on a clear day the views across the Lee Valley spread out properly - all reservoir glint and distant London haze. You'll find yourself on open heath with birch trees scattered about, the sort of place where the air actually tastes cleaner than it does in town.

It's a straightforward walk from Chingford, taking maybe forty minutes if you're not rushing. The ground can be boggy after rain, so decent boots matter. There's a trig point marking the summit - satisfying in that British way where a pile of stones and a concrete pillar somehow feel like an achievement. Walkers and local runners use it regularly; families with older children will manage it without complaint, though toddlers might find it dull once they've reached the top.

Free to visit, obviously. You won't find a café or facilities, so bring water. The real draw is the walk itself through proper heathland rather than any dramatic panorama. Combine it with Lee Valley Campsite just 2.3 miles away in Sewardstone - a modest but solid base for exploring the valley properly - or push on to Theobalds Park five miles further north if you want a busier holiday park with more facilities. Early morning visits are best, before dog walkers and joggers clog the paths. It's not dramatic, but it's genuinely pleasant and utterly free.