Cheeks Hill

The walk up Cheeks Hill from Buxton is straightforward enough, and on a clear day the views across the Peak District justify the modest effort required. It's not a dramatic summit - more of a gentle rise that rewards you with proper panoramic stretches over moorland and pasture rather than a sudden dramatic reveal. Most people allow an hour or so from the outskirts of Buxton, which makes it manageable for families with older kids or anyone after a decent leg-stretcher without committing to a full day's hiking.

What appeals about Cheeks Hill is its accessibility. You're not scrambling over rocks or navigating technical terrain. The walk itself is the thing, really - decent moorland paths, changing light on the slopes, that sense of being away from it all even though you're barely outside town. History buffs might feel a bit shortchanged; it's more about the landscape than any particular landmark, which some will find refreshing and others a touch underwhelming.

If you're based at one of the holiday parks near Buxton - the Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite is practically on the doorstep at under two miles - this works as a morning outing before heading elsewhere. Combine it with a wander through Buxton's centre or push further into the Park toward Longnor if you want a proper day out. Best visited when the weather's playing ball; driving mist rather ruins the whole point of coming up here.