Cox Hill

Cox Hill might not sound like much - and honestly, at 420 feet it's barely a bump by proper mountain standards - but it's one of the few spots in Essex where you actually get a decent vantage point across the countryside. The walk up from Dunmow is straightforward enough, taking maybe twenty minutes depending on fitness, and you'll find yourself surrounded by open farmland rather than hemmed in by trees or suburbs.

The view's the main draw here. On a clear day you can see across the Uttlesford district with decent clarity, and there's something oddly satisfying about standing on Essex's highest ground when you're used to the flatness of the region. It's not going to rival the Cotswolds or anything, but for what it is - a local high point with no fuss, no entrance fee, no visitor centre - it works.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not a dramatic scramble, just a gentle incline that works well as part of a longer ramble around the area. Families might find it a bit underwhelming unless the kids are keen on open views and spotting landmarks from a distance. Go on a weekend morning before clouds roll in, and bring binoculars if you're into that sort of thing.

If you're staying at Dairymeade Farm Glamping nearby, this is worth tacking on to your itinerary - it'll take an hour all in. Perfectly pleasant Essex walking without the pretence.