The Wrekin

Shropshire's landmark whaleback stands alone above the Severn plain, so from the summit you get an enormous, uninterrupted panorama — the Shropshire Hills to the west, Cheshire and, on a clear day, the Welsh mountains and even the Black Country haze eastward. The hill is privately owned by the Raby Estate but has long-standing open public access as a Local Nature Reserve, and it's not National Trust, so sensible sub-250g flying is tolerated. Park at Forest Glen at the foot and take the well-graded path up (about 30 minutes); TOAL from the open grassy summit around the Toposcope. Two things to manage: there is a telecoms mast on the top — keep the aircraft clear of it and its guys — and the summit is genuinely popular, so pick a quiet slot and mind walkers. It's exposed and the wind accelerates over the crown. Nearest restricted airspace is the RAF Cosford FRZ about 17km to the south-east, comfortably clear. Autumn brings fine light and the surrounding woodland colour.