Nut Hill

The walk up Nut Hill rewards you with proper views across the Cotswolds - the sort of panorama that makes the climb feel worth the effort. It's not a massive peak, mind, but from the top near Stroud you can see right across the valleys and rolling countryside that makes this corner of Gloucestershire so appealing.

The ascent itself is straightforward enough for families with reasonably fit kids, though it's steep in places and the path can get muddy after rain. Allow a good hour for the round trip if you're taking it at leisure, less if you're marching. The real appeal here is less about dramatic scenery and more about having a proper walk with a genuine destination - you reach the summit, catch your breath, take in the view, maybe have a snack. It's the kind of local hill that rewards you with perspective rather than spectacle.

History enthusiasts will appreciate that this is proper Cotswold walking territory, and it connects naturally with the wider landscape around Stroud. If you're staying at one of the nearby glamping spots like Painswick Glamping or Cherry Tree Glamping, this makes an excellent morning's outing before heading into town for lunch. It's also very walkable from Court Farm Camping if you want to earn your breakfast.

Go on a clear day - that's non-negotiable. Misty hilltops are atmospheric in novels; in reality they're just damp and pointless. The late afternoon light in autumn is particularly good if you can time it right.