Windmoor Hill

The walk up Windmoor Hill rewards you with proper views across the New Forest, though don't expect a dramatic summit - this is Hampshire, after all. It's a modest peak, but the vantage point over the heathland and woodland makes the steady climb worthwhile. On a clear day, the visibility stretches far enough to make you feel like you've actually achieved something.

The hill itself is straightforward walking country. Locals from Ashurst use it regularly, and the paths are well-trodden without feeling overcrowded. You can see why - it's that sweet spot where you get a genuine sense of being out in nature without needing mountaineering boots or a packed lunch for days. Most people allow an hour or two depending on fitness and how long you linger at the top taking photos.

Families with older kids will find this manageable, though younger ones might grumble on the way up. History enthusiasts won't find much here, but walkers and nature types absolutely will. The surrounding New Forest makes Windmoor Hill a natural pit stop during a wider ramble rather than a destination in itself.

If you're camping nearby - and there's no shortage of sites within five miles, from Ashurst Campsite to Mercury Holiday Park - this is an easy morning or afternoon outing. Free to visit, no permits needed. Best in spring and early summer when the heathland's at its best. Winter can be muddy and grey, which rather defeats the purpose of climbing for views.