Ferny Hill

Getting up here feels like a proper achievement, even though Ferny Hill isn't exactly a mountain. At just over 400 metres, this modest peak on the edge of the Peak District gives you cracking views across Staffordshire without the lung-busting effort of tackling Kinder Scout.

The walk up from the Stoke-on-Trent side takes about 45 minutes through farmland and moorland paths that can get quite boggy after rain - proper walking boots essential. Once you reach the trig point, the panorama stretches right across to the Pennines on a clear day, with the Roaches visible to the northeast.

Families with older kids who enjoy a decent walk will find this rewarding, though toddlers might struggle with the terrain. It's free, naturally, and the paths are reasonably well-marked, though a map helps when the mist rolls in.

From nearby holiday parks like Blackshaw Moor Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite or Leek Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Ferny Hill makes for a satisfying half-day expedition. Pack a flask - the summit can be blowy even in summer, and there's something deeply satisfying about hot tea with that view spread out below you. Worth combining with a visit to nearby Rudyard Lake if you're making a day of it.