Hydon Heath

Hydon Heath sits on high ground between Guildford and Godalming, and it's one of those Surrey commons that sneaks up on you. The woodland here is proper open - lots of scrubby heathland mixed with birch and pine rather than the dense dark forest you might expect. When the light's right, especially late afternoon, it's genuinely lovely.

You're really coming here for the walking. There are decent paths crisscrossing the 250-odd acres, and the ground rises enough that you get real views out towards the Greensand Ridge. It's not a scramble but it's not flat either - good going without being a slog. Most people spend a couple of hours up here, maybe three if they're taking it slow and stopping about.

Historically it's worth noting too. Hydon Ball, a Bronze Age burial mound, sits on the highest point. You won't miss it, though it's subtle - just a raised hump with a few stones. The sort of thing you'd walk past if you weren't looking, but knowing it's there changes how you see the place.

Best visited midweek in autumn when the light's golden and the crowds thin out. Summer weekends get busy with families and dogs, which is fine if that's your thing. From either Glamping Holiday or Care Ashore Campsite on the Springbok Estate, you're within striking distance for a morning walk before the day properly starts. The access is straightforward - it's common land, no gates or fees that I could find.