Strawberry Bank

The walk up Strawberry Bank, just outside Sutton-in-Ashfield, is a proper little lung-opener. It's not a mountain - this is Derbyshire, not the Alps - but the climb rewards you with views across the surrounding woodland and countryside that make the effort worthwhile. The peak itself sits among mixed trees, so don't expect dramatic exposed vistas; instead you get that satisfying sense of elevation without the full-on scramble.

It's ideal for walkers after a straightforward ramble rather than anything technical. Families with reasonably fit kids will manage it fine, though the younger ones might need a bit of cajoling on the steeper sections. The route doesn't take long - allow an hour or so depending on your pace and how often you stop to catch your breath. There's something genuinely pleasant about a modest hill walk when you're after uncomplicated exercise rather than conquest.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Silverhill Woodland Retreats or Yew Tree Farm Camping are both within spitting distance - this makes for a solid morning or early afternoon outing before heading back for lunch. It's the sort of walk that works well as part of a broader Derbyshire exploration rather than a destination in itself. Combine it with other local woodland trails or a stroll through Sutton-in-Ashfield town centre if the weather turns. Access is straightforward, and there's no admission to worry about - just turn up and get walking.