Tan Hill

You'll be climbing to 294 metres at Tan Hill - the highest point on the Marlborough Downs and one of those walks that feels considerably longer than it actually is. The summit itself is modest, all things considered. There's an Iron Age hill fort up here, though the earthworks have softened over two millennia and won't leap out at you unless you know what to look for. The real draw is the view across Wiltshire on a clear day, stretching south towards the Pewsey Vale. Reach it from Devizes and you're looking at an hour's decent walk across open downland from the nearest car park. It's exposed, so dress for the weather properly.

Who'll love this? Serious walkers and anyone keen on Iron Age archaeology will find it worthwhile. Families with younger children might struggle - not because the walk is impossibly steep, but because there's nothing to grab their attention once they're there. No cafe, no facilities, just views and grass. That's rather the point, mind you.

The whole thing is free and accessible year-round. Early morning visits mean you'll likely have the summit to yourself, though the wind can be something fierce. Allow three to four hours total for a decent circuit from the carpark. If you're camping nearby at Honey Bee Glamping or Ridgeway Campsite, both just a couple of miles away, this makes a solid morning expedition before heading elsewhere in the area. It's the sort of place that rewards proper boots and a weather eye rather than casual footfall.