Deacon Hill

The walk up Deacon Hill rewards you with proper views across Hampshire's rolling chalk downs - the sort of landscape that makes you understand why people settled here centuries ago. It's not a dramatic summit, nothing like the Lake District peaks, but that's rather the point. The hill sits just outside Winchester, making it ideal if you're camping nearby and fancy a leg-stretch without a full day's commitment.

The ascent takes around 45 minutes from the car park, climbing through beech woodland before breaking out onto open downland. On a clear day you can see for miles across the Winchester area and beyond. The paths are well-maintained and the gradient, while steady, isn't punishing - families with reasonably fit children will manage it without complaint.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's not a tourist trap with facilities or interpretation boards; it's just a proper Hampshire hill walk. That said, if you're after something quick and accessible while staying at Winchester Morn Hill Caravan Club or Holden Farm Camping, this delivers. Thirty minutes up, half an hour down, a packed lunch at the top. Job done.

Go on a weekday if possible. Weekends bring crowds, and the car park fills up fast. Free to access, naturally. The best light is late afternoon when the sun catches the downs properly - photography types should time it accordingly. Allow a full two hours including the summit stop.