Caplar Camp Hill Fort

Standing on this grassy hilltop just outside Fownhope, you get a proper sense of why Iron Age folk chose this spot for their fort. The earthwork ramparts are still clearly visible after more than 2,000 years, forming rough circles that once protected an entire community from raiders and rivals.

Walking the perimeter takes about twenty minutes if you're not stopping to peer at every bump and hollow. The views across the Wye Valley are lovely on a clear day - you can see why ancient sentries would have had advance warning of approaching trouble from up here.

History enthusiasts will appreciate the well-preserved defensive ditches, though there's no interpretation board to explain what you're looking at. Kids might need a bit of imagination to get excited about grass-covered mounds, but they'll enjoy the climb and the space to run about.

Access is free and the site's always open, being on common land. Allow an hour including the walk up from the village car park - it's a bit of a slog but well worth it for the archaeology and scenery.

Staying at one of the nearby holiday parks like Caplor Glamping or Lucksall Caravan Park puts you right in prime walking country. The hill fort makes a good half-day trip combined with exploring Fownhope's medieval church or a riverside stroll along the Wye.