Turf Hill

Turf Hill doesn't announce itself loudly, which is rather the point. This modest peak sits on the chalk downs between Salisbury and the New Forest, offering the kind of walk that feels properly remote even though civilization is only a few miles south. The summit itself is open downland - no dramatic rock formations or sweeping vistas that'll make you gasp, but there's something about walking up here and seeing Wiltshire spread out below that justifies the effort.

The walk up takes the better part of an hour depending on your fitness and pace, and it's the sort of terrain that separates the serious walkers from the casual strollers. Ground's uneven in places, can be boggy after rain, and the wind has a habit of catching you off-guard once you're exposed on the ridge. But that's precisely why it's worth doing - you won't find crowds.

Families with younger kids might find it a bit of a slog without much payoff for the effort. Teenagers and adults who actually enjoy a proper country walk will get more from it. The downland walking is lovely in itself, though - the sort of thing that reminds you why the South West is decent walking territory.

If you're based at Green Hill Farm Holiday Village or one of the other nearby campsite options around Salisbury, Turf Hill makes a solid afternoon excursion. Bring a waterproof just in case. Free to visit, obviously - it's just a hill. Allow three to four hours for the round trip if you want to sit at the top for a bit without rushing.