Our verdict
Somerset's coal country in one small climb. Every village round here has its batch; Paulton's is one of the few you're actively welcome up. Ten minutes to the top, a decent view, and a hundred years of history under your boots.
An old colliery spoil heap — a 'batch' in north Somerset speak — on the edge of Paulton, long since dressed in trees and now the village's own miniature hill, with paths to the top and views over the old coalfield.
A wooded coal-batch owned by the Woodland Trust, open at all times.