Pitch Hill

The walk up Pitch Hill rewards you with proper views across the Surrey Hills - nothing dramatic, but on a clear day you can see right across to the Weald. It's a modest peak at around 300 metres, which means even younger legs won't complain about the climb. The ascent takes maybe thirty minutes from the nearest car park, depending on which route you tackle.

You get chalk grassland, open woodland, and that particular kind of quiet that Surrey hills do well when you're away from the towns. The summit itself is fairly open, so there's space to spread out with a packed lunch and actually enjoy the views rather than being crammed in with everyone else. On weekends it can get busy with local walkers, but midweek mornings are lovely and peaceful.

Walking families will get the most from this - it's long enough to feel like an achievement without being punishing. History buffs won't find much to hold their attention beyond the landscape itself. The nearest town is Guildford, which sits about five miles away, and there's plenty of accommodation scattered throughout the area. Edgeley Holiday Park sits just 2.5 miles off if you want a base close by, while Surrey Hills Yurts and Chantry Wood Campsite offer alternative spots within striking distance.

There's no visitor centre or facilities at the summit, so bring water and plan accordingly. Free to visit, obviously - it's just a hill. Worth combining with other Surrey Hills walks to make a proper day of it rather than visiting in isolation.