Berry Hill

Standing at 224 metres, this low-profile summit won't give you vertigo but delivers surprisingly good views across the Staffordshire countryside. Berry Hill sits within Cannock Chase, that sprawling area of heathland and woodland that serves as the Midlands' green lung, just a short drive from Stafford.

Walkers will appreciate the relatively gentle approach - this isn't a mountain slog but rather a pleasant ramble through mixed woodland and open heath. The triangulation pillar at the top marks Cannock Chase's highest point, though you'd be hard pressed to call it dramatic. What it lacks in Alpine grandeur it makes up for with accessibility and those rolling views towards Shropshire and beyond.

Families staying at nearby holiday parks like Chase Camping at Tackeroo or Silver Trees Holiday Park will find this a proper introduction to the Chase without wearing out young legs. Allow an hour or two for the round trip, depending on your starting point and how long you linger at the top. Early morning visits often reward you with clearer views and fewer mountain bikers tearing down the trails.

It's free to access, naturally, and works well as part of a longer Chase exploration. The area around Berry Hill connects to numerous walking and cycling routes, making it a useful waypoint rather than a destination in its own right.