Nan Trodd's Hill

The walk up Nan Trodd's Hill takes about twenty minutes from Winchester, and it's proper worthwhile if you're after a bit of elevation without the scramble. You get a decent vista across Hampshire countryside from the top - nothing jaw-dropping, but the sort of view that justifies leaving the car behind.

It's a straightforward hill walk, so families with reasonably mobile kids will manage it fine. The path is well-trodden and doesn't demand specialist kit. On a clear day you can pick out Winchester Cathedral in the distance, which adds a bit of navigational satisfaction. The peak itself is modest - you won't be disappointed by crowds - but that's rather the point.

If you're camping at Winchester Morn Hill or Hookpit Farm, this works as a morning or late-afternoon excursion that won't eat your whole day. Hookpit Farm rates better for facilities (4.8 stars versus 3.2), so worth considering if you're planning a proper base. The walk doesn't demand much beyond trainers and a water bottle.

Go mid-week if you can. Weekends pull in a fair few ramblers, though never enough to feel crowded. No fees that I could find - it's just open access. Allow an hour return if you're not rushing, maybe longer if you want to sit and actually look at the view rather than just tick it off.