Danewell Hill

The walk up Danewell Hill from Chertsey is a proper leg-stretcher through Surrey woodland, rewarding you with decent views across the Thames Valley once you've made the effort. It's not dramatic - we're talking 200 metres or so of elevation gain - but the surrounding forest makes it feel more remote than the proximity to town would suggest.

The summit itself is manageable and the paths are well-trodden, so families with older kids won't struggle. You're looking at 90 minutes round trip depending on fitness and how long you linger at the top. The views justify the walk without being spectacular - they're the kind that make you understand why Surrey commuters bother with the area at all.

Go in autumn when the woodland isn't too stuffy, or early spring when the undergrowth hasn't choked the path. Summer can feel clammy and overgrown. It's the sort of walk that punches above its weight if you're staying at one of the caravan parks around Chertsey - Warren Farm Home Park or Chertsey Caravan Park put you within easy striking distance - because it breaks up what can otherwise feel like a fairly flat part of the world.

Don't expect facilities or a café at the summit. Bring water, wear proper boots because it can get boggy, and go with realistic expectations. It's not a destination in itself, but it's absolutely worth the detour if you're already in the area and fancy a morning's walk before heading to Thames-side pubs.