The Mount

You can see the whole of Leek from the top if the weather's on your side. The Mount is a proper local favourite - a nature reserve that sits just above the town, offering the kind of uncluttered walk that makes you wonder why you don't do this more often.

It's not a dramatic landscape. There are no waterfalls or rare rock formations. What you get instead is manageable woodland paths, open grassland, and views across the Staffordshire moorlands that stretch further than you'd expect from something so close to town. The walking is straightforward enough for families with younger kids, though the paths can be muddy in winter. Plan for an hour if you're moving at a leisurely pace, longer if you want to sit and actually look at the view.

Historically minded visitors will get a kick out of the fact that this is working heritage land - the Potteries heritage runs deep through this part of the world, and The Mount itself has been important to Leek's story. It's the kind of place where locals bring their dogs and walk their thoughts clear, which tells you something about its actual worth versus its tourism profile.

For caravan parks nearby, Leek Camping and Caravanning Club Site is barely two miles away, making this an easy add-on to a broader Peak District or Staffordshire holiday. Don't expect crowds or facilities - there's no cafe, no visitor centre. Bring water. It's free to visit, and that's exactly the point. Sometimes the best walks are the ones that demand nothing except your willingness to turn up.