Deadbuck Hill

The walk up Deadbuck Hill rewards you with one of the best views across the New Forest, though it's hardly a dramatic climb. Starting from Fritham, the path takes you through woodland and open heathland - nothing steep, just a steady plod that takes about twenty minutes. The summit itself is modest, sitting at just over 300 metres, but the payoff is proper worth it. You get miles of unbroken forest stretching south, interrupted by patches of gorse and heather that turn gold in late summer. On a clear day you can see right across to the Isle of Wight on the horizon, which catches most visitors off guard.

Walkers absolutely dominate here, and it's one of those spots where families with young legs can bag a genuine achievement without needing mountaineering skills. The path is well-trodden and marked, though it can be boggy after rain - standard New Forest conditions really. Allow an hour if you're dawdling, less if you're fit. There's no facilities, no visitor centre, no gift shop, which is actually the thing that makes it worth doing. It's proper accessible heathland walking, the kind of thing that defines a New Forest holiday.

Camp at Ocknell or Longbeech if you want to be near the trailhead - both are within three miles and suit the outdoorsy crowd. Alternatively, Fernwood Glamping offers something a touch more comfortable if you're not keen on canvas. The hill works as a half-day excursion, easily combined with exploring Fritham village itself or pushing on to other Forest walks. Go early morning when the light's soft and the place is genuinely quiet.