Pole Hill

You'll need to hike up from Chingford, but Pole Hill rewards the effort with a proper view across London and the Lee Valley. It's not a dramatic peak - Hertfordshire doesn't do drama - but on a clear day you can see right across the capital from here, which is genuinely worth the walk.

The hill itself is modest, topped with a trig point and an old stone marker. There's something oddly satisfying about standing on high ground when you know you're only a few miles from suburban sprawl. The path up takes about 20 minutes from the car park, and it's straightforward enough for most fitness levels, though it gets a bit muddy after rain.

This works well if you're staying at Lee Valley Campsite or the caravan park in Sewardstone - they're less than two miles away, making it an easy afternoon outing. Families with kids will find it manageable, though very young children might struggle with the climb. Walkers get the most from it though, particularly if you're planning a longer ramble through the Lee Valley.

Go midweek if you can. Weekends bring crowds, and the view gets lost in the shouting. Early morning is cracking - the light's better and you'll usually have the place to yourself. Allow an hour total if you just want the viewpoint and a cuppa from your flask. Bring a proper waterproof if the forecast looks dodgy; exposure up there means the wind cuts right through.