Gander Down

Gander Down is one of those modest Hampshire heights that rewards a proper walk without demanding mountaineer credentials. The summit sits just outside Alresford, and the views across the rolling South Downs are genuinely worth the climb - on a clear day you can see for miles across farmland and woodland that actually feels untouched by suburbia.

It's not a dramatic peak by any stretch. The walk up takes twenty minutes from the nearest parking, and there's no dramatic scramble or technical bit. What you get instead is that satisfying feeling of having reached somewhere real - a proper vantage point where you can actually see the landscape laid out properly. Walkers gravitate here naturally, especially those doing longer routes across the Downs. Families with older kids will find it manageable, though younger ones might need incentivising with the promise of a snack at the bottom.

The nearest decent base is Alresford itself, a charming market town with its own appeal. If you're staying at one of the local caravan parks - Holden Farm is practically on your doorstep at less than half a mile away - Gander Down works brilliantly as a morning walk before heading elsewhere. Winchester Morn Hill and The Spinney are also within striking distance if you're planning a loose itinerary around the area. Go early or late in the day to avoid the afternoon crowds, though honestly it's rarely rammed. Free access, no facilities at the top, and bring proper shoes because it gets muddy after rain.