Hen Cloud

A proper little scramble up moorland, Hen Cloud rewards the effort with views across the Staffordshire moorlands that stretch for miles. It's not a massive peak - barely 370 metres - but the rocky outcrop makes it feel more dramatic than the numbers suggest, especially when the light's right and you can see across to Ramshaw Rocks nearby.

The walk itself takes about 45 minutes from the road, depending on fitness and how many times you stop to catch your breath. It's steep in places, genuinely, with loose grit underfoot that demands proper walking boots rather than trainers. The actual summit is crowded with huge boulders - proper granite chaos - which kids absolutely love clambering over, though you'll want to watch younger ones carefully. Adults who fancy a bit of scrambling get a genuine thrill from it.

Leek sits just south, making this an easy addition to a wider moorland exploration. The nearby caravan sites at Blackshaw Moor and The Hollies are within spitting distance, so you could easily do this as a morning outing before heading to Rudyard Vale or Longnor Wood if you want a longer stay in the area. There's nothing at the peak itself - no cafe, no facilities - so bring water and a packed lunch if you're planning to stay up there.

Best visited on a clear day when you can actually see somewhere from the top. Rainy weather makes the rocks genuinely slippy. Worth the detour if you're camping locally and fancy a proper walk that isn't too long.