Burwood

The walk up Burwood rewards you with one of the best views across the New Forest - a proper perspective on how vast this place actually is. It's not a dramatic peak by Alpine standards, but from the summit you can see right across the heathland towards Fordingbridge and beyond, which matters more than raw height when you're this far south.

The route itself is straightforward enough, mainly following forest tracks with a final push through open heath to the top. Most people manage it in under two hours return, though you'll want longer if you're bringing younger kids who'll want to potter about. The terrain can be boggy depending on season, so decent boots are wise.

This works best for walkers who've already done a few Forest loops and want a proper vantage point, or families wanting a half-day outing with actual destination appeal rather than just rambling. The views justify the effort without being exhausting.

Stay at Hill Cottage Farm near Fordingbridge - it's only 3.8 miles away - and you can make Burwood part of a larger day exploring the Forest. The campsite itself is solid (4.8/5 reviews), giving you a good base for tackling other walks in the area. Chalke Valley Camping and Summerlands are slightly further out but equally well-regarded if you prefer more space. Come in late spring or early autumn when the heath flowers and you're not fighting summer crowds.