Birchenough Hill

Standing at 1,200 feet above sea level, this relatively modest Staffordshire peak offers surprising views across the Peak District without the crowds that swarm higher fells. The climb from the nearest car park takes about 45 minutes of steady walking through moorland that can be proper boggy after rain, so decent boots are essential.

Families with older children will find the ascent manageable, though toddlers might struggle with the final rocky scramble to the summit cairn. The reward is a 360-degree panorama that stretches from the Cheshire Plain to the darker peaks around Kinder Scout on clear days. It's particularly lovely at sunset when the light catches the rolling farmland below.

Walkers seeking a half-day challenge often combine Birchenough Hill with nearby Shutlingsloe for a proper Peak District experience. The route is well-marked but can be exposed in poor weather - this isn't a mountain to tackle in thick mist.

For those staying at holiday parks around Macclesfield, it makes a cracking day out that doesn't require an early start. The nearby Buxton Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite puts you within easy reach, as does Longnor Wood Holiday Park slightly further south. Pack a thermos and waterproofs - the weather up here changes faster than you'd expect from such a modest height.