Whittington Bottom

A proper woodland walk through Hampshire's quiet corner, Whittington Bottom sits just outside Hungerford and feels genuinely off the beaten track. The forest floor here is thick with fallen leaves and moss - underfoot is spongy, which means it's pleasant on the knees but you'll want decent boots if there's been rain.

This is straightforward woodland rambling rather than a destination with viewpoints or facilities. The trees are dense enough to feel genuinely enclosed, and the paths wind through without any obvious 'wow' moments, but that's rather the point. It's the sort of place where you hear birdsong properly - no car noise, no crowds.

Walkers will find it rewarding, especially those after a two-hour loop rather than a summit or a visitor centre experience. Kids who enjoy scrambling over fallen logs and spotting forest creatures will get something out of it; those expecting playground infrastructure will be disappointed. The ground levels out in places and steepens in others, so it's not brutal but it's not entirely flat either.

Fit it alongside a stay at Hollington Park Glamping, which is just under five miles away - a decent base for exploring this less-known corner of Hampshire. Allow a couple of hours here without rushing, stick to the main paths if you're visiting after wet weather, and go midweek if you can. It's the kind of wood that works best when you've got it mostly to yourself.