Ranmore Common, near Dorking, Surrey

A section of the long-distance footpath the North Downs Way follows the ridge that runs through the heart of this heavily-wooded tract of land. In places, the trees open up to good views of rolling hills and the suburban sprawl of Dorking. The ridge is about 200 metres above sea level and on the south side the bank is particularly steep making for more dramatic walking than you typically find in the home counties. On the north side, the woods tumble down the hillside into a beautiful valley overlooked by Polesden Lacey country house. Most of Ranmore Common is owned by the National Trust, which charges £2.50 to non-members using its car-park on the minor road between Effingham and Dorking.7/10