Golden Tower of Leaves

The Golden Tower of Leaves is one of those peaks that catches you off guard. You're wandering through Leicestershire countryside, thinking you know what to expect from the landscape, and then suddenly there's this distinctive high point that genuinely offers something special. The walk up rewards you with proper views across the East Midlands - on a clear day you can see for miles, and the vantage point makes you realise just how much undulating terrain surrounds Atherstone in every direction.

It's the sort of place walkers will properly rate. Not a gruelling climb, but enough of a pull to feel like you've earned the views. The name itself is intriguing - whether it's the autumn colours that inspired it or some older local story, it gives the peak character. Most people can manage it in under two hours, which makes it a cracking half-day outing if you're based at one of the nearby caravan parks - Atherstone Stables, Lime Tree, or Nightingales Rustic Camping are all within striking distance.

Families with older kids will find it manageable, though younger ones might grumble at the climb. History types won't find much to pore over up here, but the views alone make it worth the detour. You're looking at a landscape that's been farmed and shaped for centuries, even if the peak itself doesn't tell an obvious story. Go when the weather's decent - grey drizzle and moorland views don't really go together. Early autumn might be your best bet, though the name suggests leaf season could be atmospheric.