Stone Hill

The walk up Stone Hill rewards you with one of those views that makes the climb worthwhile - moorland rolling out in all directions, with the New Forest visible on a clear day. It's not a dramatic peak by any means, more of a proper moorland summit than a mountain, but that's exactly why it works so well for a mixed-ability family outing from Fordingbridge.

You'll find the climb manageable in under an hour, though the terrain is boggy in places so decent boots matter. The heathland around the top feels genuinely wild - gorse and bracken, the occasional kestrel circling overhead. On weekends it gets a bit busier, but never feels crowded like some of the honeypot walks do.

Historically it's linked to Bronze Age settlements in the area, though there's not much to see on the ground these days beyond the elevation itself. History buffs will get something out of knowing they're standing on ancient ground; everyone else just gets a solid walk and views.

It fits perfectly into a New Forest holiday. Base yourself at one of the nearby parks - Hill Cottage Farm is only 4.2 miles away and sits well - and use Stone Hill as a morning walk before heading into the forest proper. The moorland here has a different character from the wooded forest trails, so it's worth doing both.

Free to access. Allow two to three hours if you're not rushing. Avoid after heavy rain when the boggy sections become genuinely treacherous.