Perry Hill

The walk up Perry Hill takes about twenty minutes from the Guildford side, and on a clear day you get proper views across Surrey's rolling landscape. It's not exactly dramatic - we're talking 250 metres, so nothing that'll leave you gasping - but the perspective shifts completely once you're up there. The surrounding countryside falls away nicely, and you can see why people bothered walking here in the first place.

Most visitors are walkers tackling the broader Surrey Hills network rather than making Perry Hill their sole destination. That said, if you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Wyldecrest Surrey Hills or Chapel Farm are both within a couple of miles - it's a decent morning outing with kids in tow. The gradient's manageable and the sense of achievement at the top feels genuine even if the summit itself is just a clearing rather than some dramatic viewpoint.

The real appeal lies in combining it with other walks in the area. Solo it might feel a bit thin if you're expecting drama, but as part of a longer ramble through the Hills it slots in properly. Autumn's probably best - clearer air and fewer crowds on the paths. It's free to access and you can turn up whenever suits you. Allow an hour return journey if you're moving at a normal pace and stopping for the view.