Coopers Hill

The climb up Coopers Hill rewards you with one of those views that makes the leg-work worthwhile. This New Forest peak isn't particularly high - you're looking at around 127 metres - but what it lacks in altitude it makes up for in panorama. From the top, the forest sprawls out in every direction, a proper patchwork of woodland and open heath that stretches toward the horizon. On a clear day you can pick out the distant ridgelines that frame the whole landscape.

It's an easy walk from Fritham, the nearest village, and takes maybe thirty minutes if you're not rushing. Families with decent walkers will manage it without complaint, though younger children might find the final push a bit of a slog. The path isn't technical - just steady uphill through typical New Forest terrain. Once you're up there, there's space to sit and take it in, maybe unpack a flask.

What makes it work is how it slots into a broader New Forest wander. You're not talking about a full day's commitment here, so it works well paired with exploring Fritham itself or tacking it onto a longer ramble through the forest. The nearby campsites - Ocknell and Longbeech are closest - make decent bases if you're staying overnight. Go in late afternoon when the light starts turning golden and most day-trippers have already headed home. Worth the detour if you're in the area, though don't expect solitude or anything too dramatic.