Upton Heights

Views across the Northamptonshire countryside don't come much better than from this modest summit just outside Northampton. Upton Heights offers a proper sense of achievement for such a gentle climb, with rolling fields stretching away in every direction once you reach the top.

Families with young walkers will find this spot particularly rewarding - it's high enough to feel like a proper hill but won't exhaust the little ones. The walk up is steady rather than steep, winding through typical Midlands farmland before opening out to reveal surprisingly expansive vistas. On a clear day, you can pick out church spires dotting the landscape for miles around.

What makes this place special is its accessibility. Unlike some of the more famous peaks further north, Upton Heights doesn't require serious hiking kit or half a day's commitment. An hour or two will see you up and back down, making it ideal for stretching legs during a caravan holiday. The nearby Billing Aquadrome and other parks around Northampton provide good bases for exploring this gentle corner of the East Midlands.

Dog walkers particularly love it here - plenty of space to roam and no traffic to worry about once you're away from the roads. Just remember to stick to footpaths during farming seasons.