Peckforton Hill

The walk up Peckforton Hill rewards you with proper views across the Cheshire Plain - on a clear day you can see for miles towards Wales. It's not a dramatic climb, but the steady trudge through woodland gets your legs working before you emerge onto open ground with the landscape unfurling beneath you.

The hill itself sits just outside Chester, making it an easy half-day outing if you're based at one of the nearby parks like Pitch & Canvas or Little Pig Glamping. Most people allow around an hour for the ascent and descent, though you could stretch it to two if you're stopping for photos or a packed lunch at the top.

This is solid walking country rather than a destination in itself. Families with older kids will enjoy it - the path is clear and there's a genuine sense of achievement when you reach the summit. Younger children might find the climb a slog without much to hold their attention. History buffs should know that Peckforton Castle sits nearby, visible from the hill, which adds a bit of context to the views.

It's free to access and you can tackle it year-round, though muddy sections after rain need decent boots. The real value here is what it adds to a longer walk through the area - combine it with exploring the Sandstone Trail or a wander around Chester itself and you've got a proper day out. Go early on weekends if you want to avoid crowds.