Homy Ridge

You'll spot Homy Ridge from miles around once you're on the New Forest's western edge near Fritham - a proper commanding lump of high ground that catches the eye on what's otherwise fairly gentle terrain. The walk up isn't taxing, but it rewards you with views that stretch across the Forest's patchwork of heathland and ancient trees, and on a clear day you can see well beyond the park boundaries towards the Wiltshire countryside.

It's the sort of place that works for everyone. Families with kids will manage it without complaint, walkers doing a longer Forest circuit get a genuine vantage point rather than just another forest path, and anyone after a bit of solitude finds it quieter than the honeypots closer to Brockenhurst. The ridge itself is open and windswept - bring a jacket even when it's mild elsewhere.

Allow maybe an hour there and back from the nearest parking, though you'll want longer if you're taking in the wider area. There's no visitor infrastructure to speak of, so come prepared. The best time is probably autumn or early spring when the light's decent and you're not fighting crowds or midges.

Stay at Green Hill Farm Holiday Village or Longbeech Campsite - both excellent, with Homy Ridge a straightforward addition to a day's Forest exploring rather than a destination in itself. It's the kind of spot that makes proper sense when you're based locally and want a proper walk with a purpose.