Beacon Hill Brow

The walk up Beacon Hill Brow, just outside Calne, rewards you with views that stretch across the Wiltshire downs. It's a proper forest climb rather than a gentle stroll - the beech and oak trees create a thick canopy overhead, which is lovely in summer heat but means the path stays muddy well after rain.

You're looking at about twenty minutes uphill from the car park to reach the brow itself. Once you're there, the outlook opens up dramatically. On a clear day you can see for miles. The forest floor is thick with leaf litter and fallen branches, so wear decent shoes and expect to concentrate on where you're putting your feet. It's not technically challenging, but it's steeper than it sounds.

This works best for walkers rather than families with young children - there's not much to do once you've made the climb except eat a sandwich and take photos. Older kids who enjoy being outdoors will get something from it, but toddlers might find the uneven ground frustrating. The whole outing takes perhaps ninety minutes if you're not rushing.

If you're staying at Park Farm Campsite nearby, it's absolutely worth the short drive over for a morning walk. The forest itself is managed and accessible, with clear enough paths, though nothing here is signposted heavily. Best visited in autumn when the canopy thins and visibility improves, or spring when the woodland floor comes alive. Summer can feel a bit gloomy under all that growth.