Barrow Hill

The walk up Barrow Hill near Wareham rewards you with one of Dorset's most commanding views across the heathland. It's not a slog - the peak sits at a modest height, but the vista stretches right across the county's distinctive lowlands, with the heath rolling away in all directions. On a clear day you can pick out landmarks for miles. The summit itself is straightforward to reach, making it ideal for families who don't fancy a gruelling trek but still want that sense of achievement. There's something deeply satisfying about standing on top of these ancient slopes knowing you've earned the panorama.

This is proper walking country, and the hill works brilliantly as part of a longer ramble through Wareham Forest. If you're based at Wareham Forest Tourist Park or any of the caravan sites clustered within a few miles - Hunter's Moon, Primrose Fields, Crossways - you've got the perfect morning or afternoon outing without needing the car. The heath itself is fragile and special, so stick to the marked paths. Go midweek if you can; weekends pull a steady crowd who've cottoned on to how accessible this walk is. Allow a good hour for the ascent and a proper look around at the top, longer if you're connecting it to other trails in the area. Bring decent shoes - it can be boggy after rain despite its height. Free to access, naturally, since it's open moorland.