Spur Hill

The walk up Spur Hill rewards you with proper views across the Surrey Hills - nothing dramatic, but genuinely lovely on a clear day. It's a gentle climb from Guildford's edge, and you're looking out towards the North Downs with woodland falling away on either side. Takes about forty minutes to the top depending on your pace, and the path itself is well-maintained, no scrambling involved.

This suits families with kids who can manage a decent walk without getting bored halfway up. It's also ideal if you're staying at Chapel Farm Park or Wyldecrest Surrey Hills Residential Park - both are within three miles, so you could easily combine it with a morning at the park and tackle the hill in the afternoon when it's quieter. Walkers heading through the area will appreciate that it slots into longer routes across the Hills without feeling like a detour.

Go on a weekday if possible. Weekends bring crowds, and the car park fills fast. There's no charge to walk it, though you'll need to sort your own parking near the trailhead. The view isn't jaw-dropping - you won't be photographing it for your screensaver - but it's worth the walk. Bring decent boots; it gets muddy in sections, especially after rain. Allow two hours for a leisurely round trip if you're stopping to take it in from the top. Best avoided in thick fog, obviously, when you're left staring at nothing.