Bowcombe Down

Climbing up from the car park near Carisbrooke, the chalk downs roll away in proper sweeping curves that make you understand why the Isle of Wight feels so different from mainland Hampshire. Bowcombe Down sits just south of Newport, offering one of those walks where the effort feels minimal but the payoff is substantial.

Families with older children will find the gradual ascent manageable, though pushchair-wielding parents should probably give this one a miss. The pathways can get muddy after rain, and there's nothing particularly thrilling for very young ones once you reach the top.

What you get for your efforts is a proper panoramic view across the island's central valley. On clear days, you can pick out the Solent to the north and catch glimpses of the south coast. It's not the island's highest point, but the positioning gives you a real sense of the Wight's geography.

Allow a couple of hours for the round trip, including time to appreciate the view and spot the occasional red squirrel. Early morning or late afternoon light makes the rolling countryside look particularly lovely.

Staying at nearby Parkdean Resorts Thorness Bay or The Orchards Holiday Caravan Park puts you within easy striking distance. It's the sort of walk that works well as a morning adventure before heading to the coast for the afternoon.