Ashtead Hill

The walk up Ashtead Hill takes about twenty minutes from Redhill, and on a clear day you'll understand why locals bother with it. The summit isn't exactly dramatic - you're looking at wooded slopes rather than panoramic vistas - but there's something satisfying about reaching the top and taking in the Surrey countryside sprawling out below. It's the sort of modest hill that rewards you not with jaw-dropping views but with genuine peace and the knowledge you've earned your rest.

Families with reasonably fit children will manage this without complaint. The path is straightforward enough, though it gets a bit muddy after rain. Allow an hour including a sit-down at the top. History buffs might squeeze some interest from the local geology and the way the land has shaped settlement patterns in the area, but don't expect ruins or anything dramatic.

What makes Ashtead Hill worth the trip is its positioning within a proper walking network. You're well-placed for exploring the broader Surrey Hills landscape, and if you're based at one of the nearby caravan sites - Alderstead Heath is barely a mile away - it makes for a straightforward morning outing before heading elsewhere. Betchworth Fort Park and Merrywood Park sit within five miles, giving you plenty of options for a longer holiday that mixes easy walking with quieter countryside stops.

Go early or late afternoon when you'll have the place to yourself. On a summer Saturday midday, you might bump into a few other walkers, but it never feels crowded. Bring a packed lunch and take your time.