Devil's Punch Bowl

The sudden drop in the landscape between Godalming and Hindhead catches you off guard. You're walking through pleasant Surrey woodland one moment, then the ground simply vanishes into a vast natural amphitheatre - that's the Devil's Punch Bowl. It's a proper geological quirk: a sandy depression carved out by water millions of years ago, now wooded and dramatic in a way the surrounding heathland isn't.

From the viewpoint, you get sweeping views across the bowl and out towards the South Downs. On a clear day it's genuinely impressive. The walk down into it takes maybe twenty minutes, and you can loop round the bottom if you've got the energy, though the sandy paths get a bit churned up after rain. The whole thing is free and accessible year-round - no gates, no fees, just show up.

Walkers get the most from this. It's not a casual stroll; you need decent boots and a bit of fitness for the descent and climb back out. Kids under ten might find the initial excitement of the drop-off wears off once they're actually down there. History types should know it's where a notorious highwayman supposedly met his end - hence the slightly sinister name.

Combine it with a stay at Little Cowdray Farm Glamping just down the road, or Tilford Woods Lodge Retreat a bit further afield. It's worth the detour if you're in the area, though don't expect a destination in itself. Allow two to three hours including the walk.