Short walks with huge views

Not every great view demands a mountain day. These five walks pay out spectacularly on modest effort.

Mam Tor and the Great Ridge, Peak District (7 miles)

The most photographed ridge in England: Castleton up to Mam Tor, then the crest to Back Tor and Lose Hill with valleys falling away both sides. Route here.

Seven Sisters clifftops, Sussex (start short or go long)

Chalk cliffs rollercoastering to Birling Gap. Short version: Birling Gap out and back along two or three Sisters. Full version: Seaford to Eastbourne, mapped here.

Arthur's Seat, Edinburgh (4 miles)

An extinct volcano in the capital, summit views from the castle to the Forth bridges, and back down for dinner in town. Loop here.

Cheddar Gorge rim, Somerset (5 miles)

Jacob's Ladder up, then along the cliff edge looking 130m down at the road. Britain's biggest gorge from its best angle. Route here.

Bath Skyline, Somerset (6 miles)

The National Trust's circuit above the city: meadows, woods, a sham castle and the crescents glowing below. Magic at golden hour. Loop here.