Brook Hill

Standing at 109 metres, this gentle summit near Newport offers one of the Isle of Wight's easier hill walks with surprisingly good views across the island's central downs. The climb takes about 20 minutes from the nearest car park, following well-marked footpaths through typical island countryside of rolling fields and patches of woodland.

Families with older children will find this a proper introduction to island walking without the lung-busting effort of somewhere like St Boniface Down. The path can get muddy after rain, so decent shoes are essential. From the top, you'll spot the Solent stretching north and catch glimpses of the mainland on clear days.

Walkers staying at nearby parks like Tapnell Farm or The Orchards will find Brook Hill makes a lovely morning ramble before heading to the beaches. It's free to access year-round, though winter visits can be bleak when the wind picks up. The summit itself is fairly exposed with just a few trees for shelter.

Honestly, it's not the island's most spectacular peak, but if you're based centrally and want a quick leg-stretch with decent views, Brook Hill delivers. Allow an hour for the round trip, longer if you fancy extending the walk along the ridge. Best combined with a visit to nearby Carisbrooke Castle to make a proper day of it.