St Martha's Hill

The walk up St Martha's Hill rewards you with proper Surrey views - nothing dramatic, but genuinely lovely on a clear day. The hill itself rises above Guildford with the small chapel at the summit, a medieval structure that's been rebuilt more than once but keeps its character. You're looking at maybe half an hour to climb it from the car park, depending on fitness, and the path is well-maintained though steep in sections.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's genuinely nice to hoof it up and take in the ridge views across the Weald, and if you're exploring the Surrey Hills more broadly, it fits perfectly into a day's rambling. Families with older kids will manage it fine; younger ones might grumble about the gradient. The chapel itself is small - you can pop inside if it's open, but don't expect much beyond the building itself.

Free to visit and accessible year-round. Chantry Wood Campsite sits barely half a mile away, making this an ideal morning outing if you're staying locally. Edgeley Holiday Park a couple of miles further on is also reasonable for a base. It's the sort of place that doesn't demand a long visit - ninety minutes tops from car to summit and back - but it's a genuine highlight if you're doing a proper walking holiday in the Surrey Hills. Not overblown, just solid countryside with a decent view and a bit of history thrown in.