Egham Wick Plantations

The woodland around Egham Wick is proper walking territory - flat, accessible paths threading through mixed plantations that feel a world away from the Thames Valley sprawl. You're looking at mature conifers mixed with broadleaves, the sort of place where the canopy does enough to muffle traffic noise and let you actually think. It's free to access and works best as a half-day ramble rather than a destination you'd spend a whole afternoon at.

Walkers will get the most from it. The paths are well-maintained and straightforward, so families with younger legs won't struggle, though it's not packed with dramatic views or sudden discoveries. Birdwatchers occasionally do well here - you might spot woodpeckers if you're quiet. The plantations date back decades, so there's nothing particularly historic or dramatic to see, but that's almost the point. It's the sort of place you go to clear your head rather than tick a box.

Just outside Chertsey, it slots neatly into a longer day exploring the river valleys and parks nearby. The caravan sites around Chertsey - including Chertsey Caravan Park just under three miles away - make it a sensible addition to a Thames-side break. Go mid-week if you can; weekends bring dog walkers and trail runners who've got rather more momentum than you'd like when passing. Allow ninety minutes for a proper circuit without rushing. Bring decent footwear after rain - it gets boggy in spots.