Yewtree Hill

The walk up Yewtree Hill from Dursley takes about forty minutes if you're not rushing, and it's the sort of climb that leaves you properly satisfied when you reach the top. The views across the Severn Vale are genuinely worth the effort - on a clear day you can see all the way to the Forest of Dean, and the Cotswolds roll away in the opposite direction. It's not a massive peak, but that's rather the point. You get proper views without needing fell-walking boots or a survival kit.

It's ideal for families who want a half-decent walk without the toddler meltdown halfway up. The path is straightforward enough, and there's something quite nice about reaching a real viewpoint without it feeling like a full mountaineering expedition. Walkers doing the longer Cotswold routes often loop past it. History types will appreciate that you're looking out over land that's been settled for millennia - the Severn Valley below is properly old.

There's no visitor centre or facilities at the summit, so bring water and maybe a sandwich if you're planning to linger. Early morning is best for avoiding the afternoon haze that can blur the distant views. If you're staying at Pepper Pot Caravan Park just five miles away, this makes an excellent morning sortie before heading back for lunch. Free to access, naturally. Allow two to three hours return journey including time at the top.