Ibsley Viewpoint

The view from Ibsley hits you straightaway - moorland rolling off in all directions, and on a clear day you can pick out the New Forest proper stretching away to the south. It's not a dramatic clifftop affair; instead, you're standing on high ground that gives you proper perspective on the heathland landscape around Ringwood. The viewpoint itself is a simple affair - there's a spot where the land flattens out and opens up, letting you see what's actually here rather than being hemmed in by trees.

Walkers will find this worthwhile as part of a longer stomp across the heathland, rather than a destination in itself. You're looking at views that mean something to the terrain itself - the patchwork of open ground and forest edge that defines this corner of Dorset. Photographers won't be disappointed if light's on your side; there's a genuine sense of space that's increasingly rare so close to Ringwood.

Allow half an hour to take it in properly, though you could be through in ten minutes. There's no facilities - it's purely a viewpoint - so bring what you need. Free to access, obviously, and open whenever you fancy turning up.

If you're staying at Forest Edge Holiday Park or Oakdene Forest Park, both within five miles, this slots naturally into a day exploring the heathland hinterland. It works best in autumn when the light's lower and the moorland colours actually show themselves. Summer can feel a bit washed out from up here.