Little Doward Hill

The Iron Age fort that sits on Little Doward Hill is one of those places that rewards a proper scramble. You're looking at two concentric rings of earthworks - the inner fort and an outer enclosure - dating back roughly 2,500 years, and the views across the Wye Valley from up there are genuinely excellent. The walk itself is steep enough to earn the vista, taking you through woodland with glimpses of the River Wye below.

It's not a polished heritage site with interpretation boards or a visitor centre. What you get instead is the real thing - ramparts you can walk along, ditches still clearly visible, the sense of why someone chose this spot to defend. History walkers and archaeology enthusiasts will find it absorbing; families with older kids keen on a challenge will enjoy the scramble and the view reward. Younger children might lose interest once they realise there's no artefacts to see or buildings to explore.

Allow a couple of hours if you're taking it slowly and want to sit with the view for a bit. Approach from Ross-on-Wye, which is the nearest town with facilities - shops, pubs, places to eat. If you're camping nearby at Doward Park Campsite, which is barely ten minutes away, this becomes an obvious afternoon outing. The site itself appears to be free and accessible year-round, though it's worth checking conditions after heavy rain as the paths get slippery. Go on a clear day and you'll understand why the Iron Age people chose the high ground.