Black Hill

The walk up Black Hill from Woodhouse Eaves is straightforward enough, though the summit itself won't stop you dead in your tracks. At 278 metres, it's hardly dramatic - this is Leicestershire, after all, not the Lake District - but on a clear day the views across the Charnwood plateau are proper rewarding. You get a real sense of the geology up here, all weathered volcanic rock underfoot, which tells you something about the landscape's ancient bones.

The main appeal is the walk itself rather than standing about at the top. The route from the village takes roughly an hour there and back, cutting through woodland before opening onto the summit area. It's accessible enough for families with older kids, though younger ones might find it a bit tedious without the promise of something spectacular waiting. Walkers will get more satisfaction from this than casual visitors - it's a genuine little trek, not a car park stroll.

There's nothing formal here: no visitor centre, no admission fee, just a footpath and whatever the weather throws at you. Go early on a weekend if you're camping nearby at Charnwood Acres or Proctors Park - both are close enough to make this a half-morning activity. Best visited between April and October when the paths aren't waterlogged. Leicester sits just a few miles south, so this works well as a break from town exploring rather than a destination in itself. Bring decent boots and you'll be fine.