Mount Hill

Mount Hill isn't going to take your breath away - it's a modest rise near Ringwood that gives you a decent vantage point across the New Forest without requiring actual mountaineering. What you get is a proper walk rather than a scramble, with decent views over the heathland and forest once you've climbed to the top. The surrounding area is classic New Forest terrain - open heath, scattered woodland, the sort of place where you genuinely might encounter a wild pony.

It works best for walkers who are already exploring the broader Ringwood area rather than as a standalone destination. If you're camped at one of the nearby sites like Fernwood Glamping or Ocknell Campsite, it's an easy morning outing - allow an hour or so there and back depending on your pace and how long you fancy lingering at the summit. Families with younger kids might find it a bit underwhelming on its own, though it combines well with a wider forest walk.

The practical stuff: free access, no facilities at the peak itself, so bring water. Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday heat on exposed sections. It's genuinely worth doing as part of a longer New Forest holiday rather than a special trip. The real value is in the walking itself and the landscape around it - Holmsley Campsite and Forest Edge Holiday Park are both within striking distance if you want to base yourself nearby for several days of proper forest exploration.