Butser Hill

The walk up Butser Hill proper knocks the wind out of you. At 889 metres, it's the highest point in Hampshire - nothing dramatic by Alpine standards, but the South Downs give you a genuine sense of achievement when you crest the top. The views sweep across three counties on a clear day, which makes the climb feel worthwhile even if your legs disagree halfway up.

You're looking at a solid hour's walk from Petersfield, depending on your route and fitness. The path climbs steadily through woodland before opening onto chalk downland, and the last stretch rewards you with proper panoramic views. On weekends it gets busier than you'd expect, but midweek mornings are peaceful.

This is one for walkers and anyone after some outdoor exertion. Families with older kids will manage fine; younger ones might find it a slog without bribing them with packed lunches at the summit. The walk itself is the attraction - there's no visitor centre or cafe up top, so come prepared.

It fits perfectly into a South Downs holiday. If you're staying at Cedar Valley nearby, you can knock this out before lunch. The yurts at Adhurst, just 4.4 miles away, or the glamping at Wallops Wood offer good bases for tackling it when the weather turns, which matters more than you'd think on an exposed hilltop.

Free to access, naturally. Pick a day without mist rolling in - you'll regret the trip otherwise.