Chillerton Down

Rolling chalk downs stretch endlessly towards the Solent from this 239-metre summit between Newport and Brighstone. The walk up isn't particularly taxing - more of a gentle ramble through sheep-grazed grassland than a proper climb. On clear days, the panoramic views take in the entire southern coastline and across to the mainland, though don't expect dramatic mountain vistas.

Walkers and families looking for an easy outdoor adventure will find this spot rewarding without being challenging. Kids can handle the terrain easily, and there's plenty of space to run about at the top. The downland is classic Isle of Wight countryside - wide open spaces with that distinctive chalky soil underfoot.

Bring a picnic and allow a couple of hours for the round trip from any of the small car parks dotted around the area. Early morning or late afternoon light makes for the best photography, and you'll often have the place largely to yourself outside peak summer months.

The location works well as a morning stretch-the-legs activity if you're staying at one of the nearby camping spots like Warren Hill Camp or Windmill Campersite. It's close enough to Newport for supplies afterwards, and makes a decent warm-up before tackling some of the island's more demanding walks along the coastal path.