Wigdell Peak

The walk up Wigdell Peak rewards you with proper views across Hampshire's rolling countryside, and it's the sort of place you can tackle in an afternoon without needing special kit or a packed expedition. The summit itself isn't dramatic - you're looking at moorland rather than jagged rocks - but on a clear day you can see well beyond Alton and understand why locals rate it. The climb is steady rather than punishing, taking most people around an hour depending on fitness.

It's genuinely good for families who want their kids to feel like they've achieved something without the three-hour slog of bigger peaks. There's a real sense of accomplishment when you reach the top, and younger walkers rarely complain if the walk only takes ninety minutes. Adults will appreciate the quietness - you won't fight crowds here like you do at some Hampshire spots.

If you're staying at Wigwam Holidays or Hampshire Hills, both just down the road, Wigdell Peak makes an excellent half-day option between glamping and exploring Alton proper. You could squeeze it in before lunch or late afternoon without disrupting a longer holiday. The land appears to be free access, though always check locally for seasonal restrictions. Wear decent boots - the paths get boggy after rain - and time your visit for morning light if you care about photos. The real draw isn't the peak itself but the walk, the air, and that unpretentious feeling of having done something outdoors without faffing about with reservations or entrance fees.