Dog Hill

Dog Hill rises abruptly from the flat Lincolnshire landscape near Horncastle, and that's rather the point of it. At 210 metres, it's nothing compared to proper peaks, but in terrain this relentlessly pancake-flat, this modest bump feels like a genuine achievement. The walk itself is straightforward - no scrambling or technical bits - and rewards you with views across the Wolds that stretch for miles on a clear day.

It's the sort of place that appeals to families wanting a proper walk without the drama, or older hikers who appreciate a bracing climb that doesn't require crampons and a rope. The path is well-trodden, manageable in an afternoon, and won't knacker anyone out before supper. Allow 90 minutes to two hours if you're taking it at a steady pace and stopping for the view.

Staying nearby works brilliantly - Lincolnshire Glamping sits less than a mile away, making this an ideal morning or late-afternoon expedition before heading back for the kettle. Oxcombe Campsite is similarly close at two miles. Both offer that proper base camp feel you want for exploring this quieter corner of the Midlands. The terrain around Horncastle rewards wandering, and Dog Hill gives you literal perspective on the landscape you're exploring.

Go when the weather's settled. Rain makes it muddy and rather pointless - the views vanish into drizzle, and there's nowhere to shelter up top. Autumn or spring hit the sweet spot.