Fir Down

Fir Down is a proper walk rather than a destination where you park up and stroll about for twenty minutes. The summit sits around 130 metres up on the Hampshire downs, which doesn't sound much until you're actually climbing it on a grey afternoon with the wind in your face. The views across Southampton Water and towards the Isle of Wight are genuinely worth the huffing and puffing, especially on a clear day when you can make out the container ships queuing for the port. It's the sort of spot where locals come to clear their heads, and rightly so.

Walkers will get the most from this one. The approach from Southampton isn't complicated, but there's no visitor centre, no cafe, and no crowd to speak of - which is either brilliant or disappointing depending on what you're after. Allow ninety minutes return if you're not moving fast, less if you've got some fitness behind you. Free to visit, obviously. It works well as part of a longer circuit if you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby - Beechen Glamping and ScottsHaven Caravaning are both within easy driving distance, making this a sensible morning walk before breakfast or a late afternoon outing.

Families with young children might find the exposed climb a bit of a slog without reward at the top - there's no playground, no viewpoint platform, just you and the weather. But if your lot are proper little hikers and you're after something genuine rather than honeyed-up heritage attractions, Fir Down delivers.