Leith Hill Wood

The walk up through Leith Hill Wood from Dorking is proper rewarding if you're after some decent woodland without the tourist crush. It's a straightforward climb through thick beech and oak - nothing technical, just relentless uphill for the first half - and the canopy keeps things shaded even on warm days. The summit gives you views across the Weald that justify the effort, though it's not a jaw-dropper if you've just come from the South Downs.

Families with primary-school age kids will manage it fine if they're used to walking. Teenagers might moan about the gradient, but it's only about an hour to the top. The woodland itself feels properly wild - less manicured than some Surrey forests - with decent paths throughout. You'll spot bluebells in spring and the autumn colour is worth timing a visit for.

There's no entrance fee and no facilities to speak of, so bring water. Allow two to three hours for a there-and-back walk depending on fitness. The nearest car parks are on the outskirts of Dorking itself, a short drive away. If you're based at Sands Farm Weekend Camping or Riverside Farm nearby, this is an easy morning or afternoon outing that won't eat up your whole day. It works well as part of a wider Sussex woodland trail - stack it with local woodland walks rather than treating it as a destination on its own.