Fern Hill

Fern Hill rises up from the Hampshire countryside near Petersfield, and it's one of those walks that feels proper rewarding when you reach the top. The climb isn't brutal - maybe twenty minutes from the car park if you're moving at a decent pace - but it's steep enough to work your legs a bit, which is exactly why people come here.

From the summit, you get sweeping views across the South Downs and out towards the Weald. On a clear day, it's genuinely lovely. The peak itself is surprisingly open, with grass and low scrub rather than dense woodland, so there's nowhere to hide from the wind once you're up there. Bring a jacket.

This is prime territory for walkers and families who want something achievable without needing all day. Children usually manage it fine, and there's a genuine sense of accomplishment at the top that you don't always get from a casual stroll. History types might be less captivated - it's natural landscape rather than an ancient site - but the views alone justify the effort.

The walk works brilliantly as part of a longer South Downs ramble, and it slots nicely with a stay at either Feather Down Manor Farm or Adhurst Yurts, both within five miles. If you're based at one of those spots, Fern Hill makes a perfect morning or afternoon venture without eating into time elsewhere in the region. Allow an hour total if you're pottering about at the top taking photos and soaking up the air.