Head Down

The walk up Head Down takes about twenty minutes from Petersfield, and it's one of those local spots that rewards you for minimal effort. You get proper views across the South Downs from the top - rolling green hills stretching out towards Sussex, with Petersfield itself tucked into the valley below. It's not high by any measure, but the vantage point makes it feel like you've actually climbed something.

This works best for families with older kids or casual walkers who don't fancy a full day hike. You could knock it out before lunch. The walk itself is straightforward - no technical scrambling - though it gets muddy in winter, so go when it's been dry. Allow an hour if you're stopping at the top to actually look at the view rather than just bagging it.

The real selling point is how well it fits with a holiday at one of the nearby glamping spots. Adhurst Yurts and Glamping at Wallops Wood are both within five miles, so you can stay somewhere proper comfortable and still get outside without serious commitment. If you're camping at Cedar Valley or Bow Hill Farm, this is an easy evening walk when you can't be bothered with anything more ambitious.

Go in late afternoon when the light's getting low - the shadows across the Downs are better then. And bring a packed lunch if you're making a morning of it. Head Down itself is free and needs no booking; it's just a field with a path.