Caer Caradoc

Standing 1,506 feet above the Shropshire Hills, this Iron Age hillfort delivers one of the best views in the Welsh Marches without the crowds you'll find on the Long Mynd. The steep climb through bracken and heather takes about 45 minutes from the car park near Willstone, but it's well worth the effort for what awaits at the summit.

History buffs will appreciate the ancient earthwork remains that crown the peak - legend has it this was the last stand of British chieftain Caratacus against the Romans in 50 AD. True or not, the strategic importance is obvious once you're up there.

Families with older children will manage the ascent fine, though it's probably too challenging for little ones. The path can be muddy after rain, so proper walking boots are essential. Clear days offer stunning panoramas across to the Brecon Beacons and Cadair Idris.

For those staying at nearby Mountain Edge or Stoney Acres, it makes a cracking half-day adventure. Allow three hours total including the walk and time to soak up those views. Early morning visits often reward you with the hill to yourself and better light for photos.