Marchington Cliff

The walk up to Marchington Cliff from Uttoxeter rewards you with a proper vantage point over the Staffordshire countryside - nothing dramatic, but on a clear day the views stretch far enough to make the effort worthwhile. It's the sort of place locals know well and visitors often miss, which is precisely why it's worth the detour.

You're looking at sandstone outcrops that rise above the surrounding farmland, giving you genuine height without needing to be a fell walker. The path isn't marked particularly well, so having a map or GPS helps, but that also means you won't fight crowds here. Twenty minutes of steady climbing gets most people to the best viewing spots.

Families with older kids will find it engaging - younger ones might lose interest once they realise there's no café or shop at the top. If you're into geology or just want an uncomplicated walk with decent views, you'll rate it. The cliff itself isn't dramatic or Instagram-friendly, but it's real and it's yours to explore without barriers or visitor facilities getting in the way.

If you're staying at Lane Tree Hideaways just down the road, this makes a solid morning outing before lunch. Allow an hour there and back including a sit-down at the top. Go when the weather's decent - moorland walks are grim in heavy rain, and winter can make the paths muddy. Spring and autumn are your best bets.