Winders Hill

The walk up Winders Hill rewards you with views across Surrey that stretch far enough to make the climb worthwhile. It's not a mountain - we're talking about 250 metres or so - but the perspective from the top shifts everything. On a clear day you can pick out the North Downs rolling away toward Kent, and on misty mornings the landscape takes on a completely different character.

This is proper walker territory. The route isn't steep enough to put off families with reasonably mobile kids, but it's enough of a proper walk that you won't feel you've wasted your time. Allow a couple of hours to take it slowly and actually look around rather than just bagging the summit. Warlingham sits at the base, so it's easy to combine with a pub lunch or a wander around the village itself.

If you're staying at Milberry Green Meadows - the nearby site with excellent reviews - Winders Hill is close enough for a morning expedition before heading elsewhere. Alderstead Heath, a bit further out, works too if you're basing yourself there for a few days and want to explore the local walking network.

Go in autumn when the light is golden and the crowds are thin. Spring works equally well. Summer can feel a bit sweaty on the climb, and winter is fine if you've got decent boots - the ground gets boggy in places after rain. The real draw here is the view and the walk itself, not facilities, so come prepared.