Old Down

Old Down sits just outside Petersfield, a proper spot if you're after a straightforward walk with decent views across Hampshire's rolling countryside. It's not dramatic - no scrambling required - but the summit rewards you with sight lines that stretch across the South Downs on a clear day. You're looking at maybe an hour's round trip from the car, which makes it ideal for families who want to tick off a walk without committing to a full day's expedition.

The terrain is manageable, a mixture of field paths and woodland edges. On a blustery afternoon I found it quiet - barely another soul about - which is exactly what you want if you've dragged the kids away from screens. The views aren't earth-shattering, but they're proper Hampshire: soft, rolling, agricultural. Worth doing if you're already camping nearby, less so if you're making a special trip from somewhere distant.

Cedar Valley is just a mile away, making Old Down a natural add-on if you're based there. Woodlands Camping sits three and a half miles out, also handy for a morning expedition before heading elsewhere. Combine it with a few other South Downs walks in the area and you've got a reasonable itinerary. Fair warning though - it can get boggy after rain, so check the weather before you go. No facilities at the top, so grab a coffee in Petersfield first if you need one.