Stony Copse

The woods near Cranleigh aren't exactly postcard material at first glance, but Stony Copse rewards anyone willing to actually walk it properly. This is proper Sussex woodland - mixed broadleaf, dense in places, and the sort of place where you'll lose phone signal if you're not careful.

What makes it worth the detour is the terrain itself. The forest floor is studded with sandstone outcrops, which is why it gets its name, and in winter when the bracken dies back you can actually see the geology at work. Bring decent boots if it's been wet - it gets boggy in stretches, and the paths aren't manicured. This isn't a stroll around a managed park.

It's the kind of place dog walkers love, and families with children old enough to handle muddy trails will get a solid couple of hours out of it. Younger kids might lose patience without the distraction of a specific destination. The woodland is genuinely lovely in autumn when the light filters through properly, less impressive in high summer when it's just green and humid.

If you're based at Slinfold Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite just down the road, Stony Copse makes a decent morning or afternoon walk without requiring a drive. Free to access, naturally. No facilities, so pack water. The real appeal here is authentic woodland walking, not views or attractions - if that's what you're after, you'll get it. If you're expecting manicured nature reserves, look elsewhere.