Pilot Hill

The walk up Pilot Hill from Newbury is short but surprisingly steep, rewarding you with proper 360-degree views across the Berkshire Downs. On a clear day you can pick out the Cotswolds to the north and the Sussex weald spreading south. It's chalk downland, so the path's chalky and can be slippery when wet - wear decent shoes.

You're looking at maybe forty minutes up, same back down, which makes it ideal for families who want a quick hillside experience without committing to a full day's hike. Younger kids might find the gradient testing on the way up, but the payoff at the summit - a proper sense of being somewhere - keeps them engaged. There's no café or facilities, so bring water.

Historically it's nothing earth-shattering, but the name alone hints at something aviation-related, and you'll spot walkers and the occasional cyclist treating it as a local workout spot rather than a touristy tick-box. That's actually refreshing. The hill feels lived-in rather than packaged.

If you're staying at Hollington Park Glamping nearby, this makes an excellent morning excursion before heading elsewhere. Pair it with a proper walk across the Downs proper or a nose around Newbury's market. It's the sort of thing you do because you're in the area, not something to drive an hour for, but honestly? On a decent afternoon with clear skies, it's worth the leg work.