Popple Down

The walk up Popple Down rewards you with proper Hampshire downland views - nothing dramatic, but the sort of rolling chalk landscape that makes you understand why people settled here centuries ago. It's a straightforward climb from the Salisbury direction, taking maybe forty minutes at a leisurely pace, and the summit gives you sight lines across to Wiltshire if the weather plays ball.

This is walker territory, full stop. Don't expect dramatic peaks or scrambling - it's gentle, undulating countryside that works brilliantly if you're after a decent leg-stretch without the Alpine theatre. History types might find the downland ecology interesting; Bronze Age activity has been recorded around these parts. Kids will manage it fine, though there's nothing to hold their attention once you're up there except the view and whatever snacks you've packed.

Free to access, naturally - it's open country. Allow two hours return if you're not rushing, or pack a picnic and make an afternoon of it. Early autumn is cracking, when the grass has that golden look and you won't be melting in the climb.

Stay at Salisbury Hillside Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite - barely half a mile away, which is handy - and you can easily string together a few downs walks across the area. The Meadow Glamping, three miles out, offers something cushier if you want the downland experience without the tent. Worth doing if you're based in Salisbury itself and fancy proper air without driving far.