Harley Hill

The walk up Harley Hill rewards you with one of the clearest views across Winchester and the surrounding Hampshire countryside. It's not a dramatic peak by any stretch - more of a gentle climb through woodland that opens onto proper downland at the top. You'll spot Winchester Cathedral dominating the town below, and on a clear day the views extend across the Test Valley towards the chalk ridges beyond.

This works well for families who want a proper walk without the scrambling. Allow an hour, maybe ninety minutes if you're the dawdling type who stops for photos every few minutes. Children aged five upwards will manage it fine, though the path can be muddy after rain so decent boots matter. The summit itself is just open grass - bring a packed lunch and you've got yourself a decent afternoon.

If you're based at Winchester Morn Hill or Holden Farm, this is a straightforward outing from your campsite. The walk passes through mixed woodland, and history buffs will appreciate that you're walking land that's been part of the Winchester estate for centuries. It's not a spectacle like some southern peaks, but it's solid and accessible. Go early on weekends to avoid the worst of the crowds, and late afternoon in summer gives you decent light without the midday glare bouncing off those cathedral stones below.