Heath Hill

The walk up Heath Hill from Farnham is one of those modest Surrey climbs that punches above its weight. You're not talking Alpine drama here - it's more about the gradual reveal as you gain height through bracken and pine woodland, with the view opening out incrementally rather than all at once.

Once you're up there, you get proper 360-degree visibility across the Weald. On a clear day you can pick out the South Downs to the south and the greensand ridge rolling away towards the Blackdowns. It's the kind of view that makes you realise why people chose this spot centuries ago.

The climb itself takes about 45 minutes from town, so it's well within reach for families with moderately fit kids. The paths are good underfoot most of the time, though it can get boggy after rain. Allow two to three hours if you're stopping at the summit for a proper look around.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Tilford Woods or Feather Down Manor Farm are both within easy reach - Heath Hill works as a half-day outing that doesn't require a car. The surrounding area has enough woodland walking to cobble together a couple of decent days without repeating yourself.

Go midweek if you can. Weekends pull in day-trippers from Farnham, and the car parks fill up quickly. Early autumn is ideal - the light's better and it's not sticky.