National Trust - Clent Hills

The Clent Hills rise up from the Worcestershire countryside like a proper lung for the West Midlands. These sandstone ridges give you views that stretch for miles on a clear day - you can see right across to the Malverns and beyond. It's National Trust land, which means the footpaths are well-maintained and the whole thing feels like genuine countryside rather than a manicured estate.

The walks here vary wildly. Some routes tick off the summits in an afternoon, taking in Four Stone Hill and Clent Hill itself. Others are gentler meandering jobs through farmland and woodland. You'll pass the occasional monument - Victorian follies that feel oddly touching in their attempt at permanence. Kidderminster sits just to the north, so it's an easy anchor point for navigation.

Walkers absolutely love it here. The terrain suits anyone from serious hikers wanting a proper leg-stretcher to families with kids who don't fancy a day on flat paths. History types enjoy poking around the old stones and trying to work out what the Victorians were thinking. On weekends the car parks do get busy, so early starts pay dividends.

If you're based at Wolverley Camping and Caravanning Club Site, Clent Hills is almost on your doorstep - less than seven miles away. Combine it with a gentler exploring session around Kidderminster itself and you've got a solid day. No entrance fee to worry about, which is nice. The real cost is time, and you'll want at least three hours to do justice to the views.