Billesdon Coplow

The walk up to Billesdon Coplow takes you through proper Leicestershire countryside - rolling fields, decent views, and that particular kind of quiet you only get away from Leicester. It's an Iron Age hillfort, so what you're actually climbing is an ancient earthwork, though frankly the archaeological interest matters less than the walk itself.

The summit sits at around 300 metres, which means the climb is real enough to feel worthwhile but not knackering. On a clear day you can see across three counties from the top - that's the genuine appeal here. The trees are closer in than you might expect, so it's not entirely open moorland, but that works fine if you're after shelter from wind.

This one's for walkers and anyone keen on Iron Age history, though kids will get more from it than you'd think - there's something about reaching a hilltop that never gets old. Allow an hour minimum if you're starting from the car park, longer if you're exploring the ramparts properly.

It sits well with the camping options nearby - Fox's Furrow and Village Farm Getaway are both within two miles, so you could base a couple of nights at either and fill your days with local walks. The area's not overrun with visitors, which is refreshing, though it's also quite exposed in poor weather so time your visit for decent conditions. Early morning is lovely if you can manage it.