Pale Heights

Standing 227 metres above the Cheshire Plain, Pale Heights gives you proper views across to the Welsh hills on a clear day. The climb through Delamere Forest is gentle enough for most families, though the final push to the summit gets your heart pumping a bit. You'll spot the radio mast long before you reach the top - not the prettiest landmark, but it makes navigation dead simple.

Walkers will appreciate the well-marked paths that wind up from the forest car parks. The route takes about 45 minutes at a steady pace, with plenty of spots to catch your breath and admire the canopy. Kids might grumble on the way up, but the views from the summit usually win them over. On a good day, you can pick out the Pennines to the east and even catch a glimpse of Snowdonia.

From holiday parks around Delamere like Wild Shore or Blakemere, it's an easy morning expedition. The forest paths can get muddy after rain, so proper walking boots are worth bringing. Best visited early morning or late afternoon when the light's at its finest - and when you'll have the summit mostly to yourself. Not exactly a mountain peak, but for Cheshire it's about as high as it gets.