Stanner Nab

You're looking at one of Cheshire's proper little surprises - a modest peak that punches above its weight for the sheer effort it takes to get anywhere near the top. Stanner Nab sits just outside Chester, and whilst it won't have you scrambling over technical rock, the climb itself is steep enough to feel satisfying once you've cracked it.

The views from up here sweep across the Cheshire Plain, which is genuinely worth the legs on a clear day. On a murky afternoon, mind you, you might wonder why you bothered - it's very much a weather-dependent sort of place. Most people allow an hour to two hours for the ascent and a poke around the summit, depending on fitness. It's free to visit and there are no official opening hours to worry about, so you can get up there at dawn if you fancy dodging the crowds.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's too short for a full day's hiking, but brilliant as part of a wider loop around the area. Families with older kids who don't mind a proper climb will find it manageable. Young children might struggle with the gradient, and frankly, toddlers have no business being attempted here.

If you're based at one of the glamping sites nearby - Pitch & Canvas is closest at under two miles - Stanner Nab works nicely as a morning activity before heading into Chester for lunch. It's not the most dramatic hill walk in the north west, but it's local, accessible, and delivers decent views without requiring a full day's commitment.