Wakes Wood

The walk up to Wakes Wood rewards you with proper views across the Hampshire countryside - nothing dramatic, but the kind of rolling landscape that makes you understand why people move down here. It's a modest peak by any measure, but that's rather the point. You get the views without the crowds or the two-hour trudge.

The woodland itself is the real draw. Ancient beech and oak crowd the slopes, and if you time it right - autumn's your best bet - the colour is genuinely stunning. It takes about 45 minutes to reach the top from the nearest car park, depending on your fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath on the steeper sections. Not a walk for small children, but perfectly manageable for anyone with decent legs.

Newbury sits just down the road, which makes this a natural addition to a wider countryside loop. If you're staying at Hollington Park Glamping nearby, this is the kind of morning walk that justifies the quieter pace of a park break - no queues, no visitor centre, just you and the trees. Bring a packed lunch and sit at the top if the weather's playing ball.

Go on a clear day. Misty mornings might feel moody, but they rob you of the reason you're there. Free to access, naturally. Allow a couple of hours if you're not rushing.