Stretfield Hill

This modest summit rises above the Severn Valley just outside Newnham, offering proper views across the Forest of Dean without the crowds you'll find at more famous peaks. The climb isn't particularly challenging - most reasonably fit walkers will reach the top in under 30 minutes - but it does get your heart pumping on the steeper sections.

From the top, you can see clear across to Wales on a good day, with the Severn snaking below and the dense canopy of Dean Forest stretching east. It's lovely countryside, though not spectacular enough to warrant a special trip unless you're already in the area. The hill works well for families with older children who fancy a proper walk, though toddlers might struggle with the gradient.

Being an open hill rather than a formal attraction, it's free to access and you can go anytime. Allow a couple of hours for the round trip if you want to linger at the top. The paths can get muddy after rain, so decent walking boots are essential.

Staying at one of the nearby sites like Whitemead Forest Park puts you well placed for exploring both this hill and the wider Forest of Dean. It's the sort of walk that slots nicely into a day of pottering about the area rather than being the main event.