Walbury Hill

The walk up Walbury Hill takes about twenty minutes from the car park near Newbury, and it's steep enough that you'll feel it in your legs. At 297 metres, it's the highest point in Hampshire - a proper summit for what's essentially a chalk downland landscape. The Iron Age fort crowning the top is the real draw here: two concentric rings of earthworks that look far more substantial than you'd expect given how weathered they are. On a clear day the views stretch across the North Downs towards Surrey and Sussex, though honestly the vista is more rolling farmland than dramatic.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's straightforward, achievable for anyone with reasonable fitness, and the downland habitat means spring wildflowers are genuinely worth the trip. Families with younger kids might find the ramparts underwhelming once they've scrambled about for ten minutes - there's not much to actually do up there, just look. History buffs will spend longer puzzling out the fort's layout.

Access is free and unrestricted - just park sensibly and follow the footpaths. Allow a couple of hours for the round trip if you're taking photos and soaking up the views. It pairs well with Hollington Park Glamping nearby if you're basing yourself in the area for a longer stay. The walk itself isn't particularly taxing, which makes it ideal for a morning outing before heading elsewhere. On weekends it can get busy with local ramblers, so go early if you prefer it quieter.