Fairmile Down

The walk up Fairmile Down rewards you with proper views across the Pewsey Vale - the kind of vista that makes the climb worthwhile on a clear day. It's a chalk hill, and the paths are well-trodden, so you won't get lost, though the ascent is steady rather than brutal.

What strikes you most is how quietly it sits above Pewsey. No carnival atmosphere, no visitor centre, just open downland with genuine sightlines across Wiltshire. On the way up you'll pass through mixed grassland and scrub, and the summit gives you sight lines to other downs in the distance. It's less dramatic than some peaks in the region, but that's partly why it works - fewer tourists, more space to think.

Walkers will get the most from this one. Budget ninety minutes to two hours for a round trip from the nearest access point. Families with young legs will manage it fine; those wanting a gentle ramble might find it a touch energetic. The ground can get muddy in winter, so check conditions first.

If you're based at Totteridge Farm, just five miles south towards Pewsey, it's an obvious morning outing before returning for lunch. The site itself is excellent for a longer stay, but Fairmile Down works as a standalone walk too. There's no admission charge - it's open access chalk downland - which is proper refreshing. Go on a weekday if you want it to yourself.