Pear tree hill

The walk up Pear Tree Hill from Devizes gives you proper views across the Wiltshire countryside - the kind of panorama that reminds you why people bother with Salisbury Plain in the first place. It's a nature reserve, so you're here for the walking and the wildlife rather than facilities, which means bring water and decent shoes.

The hill itself isn't massive, but the climb is steady enough that you'll feel you've earned the views at the top. On a clear day you can see for miles across rolling chalk downland. The reserve supports various grassland birds and butterflies depending on season, though honestly it's the walking and the big sky that'll stay with you rather than spotting anything specific.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not a destination for sitting about - you're looking at a couple of hours minimum if you're doing the full loop properly. Families with young kids might find it a bit of a slog, but teenagers who actually walk rather than moan will be fine. It's free, which helps.

If you're camping nearby - and there's good options at Mill Farm Glamping just three miles away, or the Devizes Camping and Caravanning Club Site if you want something more traditional - this makes a solid morning or afternoon leg-stretch. The reserve connects nicely with other downland walks in the area, so you could easily build it into a longer Wiltshire walking holiday. Worth the detour if you're already in Devizes for the markets or the canal.