I experienced perfect 360 degree views at summit of daunting Peak District hill

While the cold weather and wintery showers often leave us feeling a little down in the build-up to Christmas, it actually provides perfect walking conditions as opposed to the roaring - and often dangerous - heat that we see in the summer months. Chilly temperatures are particularly welcoming when scaling some of the Peak District's tallest summits - such as Win Hill, which can be seen from miles around.

Sitting in the heart of the national park overlooking the historic Ladybower Reservoir, this lesser-known hill - in my opinion - gives firm favourites Mam Tor and Kinder Scout a run for their money. While you may come across the occasional party of walkers while journeying up the picturesque peak, the crowds at the top often offer a more tranquil experience to the well-travelled Mam Tor - which seems to get busier each year.

Not only can the hill be squeezed into an easy-to-follow circular walk, but there's also a brilliant pub at the end of it. We started our journey by parking near The Yorkshire Bridge Inn to the north of Bamford before walking along the Ladybower Dam wall, following a path that takes you clockwise around the banks of the dam.

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After around 45 minutes, you'll notice the first of many green signs directing you left through the trees up a steep hill to the south of the reservoir. This is the most challenging part of the walk and walking boots are very much recommended - especially in this unpredictable colder months.

After a slightly exhausting trek to the top of the path, you'll find a rather remote area of woodland adorned with Christmas trees and the occasional sheep. Keep following the green signs that direct you to Win Hill and you'll eventually emerge from the trees to a path called Hope Cross.

As you continue to follow signs towards the summit, over your right shoulder (west), you'll find an awe-inspiring viewpoint overlooking the Great Ridge and Castleton. It's the first proper view of the walk and a perfect spot to catch your breath with a flask of coffee - or even port if it's a boxing day walk, but we don't endorse these naughty traditions.

You'll need to keep following the path to the east and you'll eventually notice a prominent peak on the horizon - a hill shaped like a cone - and you'll be within touching distance of one of Derbyshire's most stunning viewpoints. After another 15 minutes or so and one final push to the top, you'll be met with a trig point and a full 360-degree view.

The horizon stretches for miles and you'll be able to see the national park in all its glory, from Stanage Edge to the east to the Castleton quarries in the west - it's simply sublime. Unfortunately, you can't rely on clear weather at the top, but the quaint countryside and reservoir views at the base of the hill make it an enjoyable exploration throughout.

When you're ready to start walking again, simply continue along the path you were following down a steep set of steps which eventually bring you back out near the Ladybower Dam wall. I'd offer you my thoughts on the Yorkshire Bridge Inn, but our reporter Louis Corbett paid a visit to the site back in September which you can read by clicking here.

As enjoyable as the walk is among adults, there's no guarantee that your little ones will be keen to walk up the steep hill unless they have four legs and bark. The medium-to-hard difficulty of the walk may put you off, but if you're keen to get out there to try it out, always walk with caution and be prepared for any adverse weather.