Badgworthy Hill

The walk up Badgworthy Hill from Lynton is a proper grunt, but you get that genuine moorland experience that makes North Devon special. It's not particularly high - around 1,400 feet - yet the climb feels serious because the path gains elevation quickly through dense woodland before breaking out onto open heath. Once you're up there, the views across Exmoor sprawl in all directions, and on a clear day you can see all the way to the Bristol Channel.

This isn't a manicured tourist spot with a cafe at the top. You'll find windswept grass, heather, the odd Exmoor pony, and a sense of genuine wildness. The terrain is boggy in places and the wind can be relentless, so come prepared. Most people allow two to three hours for the round trip depending on fitness and conditions.

Walkers who want solitude rather than postcard views will love it here. Families with confident kids will manage fine, though younger ones might struggle with the pace and weather exposure. Photographers should visit when clouds are breaking - the moody light across the moor is far more interesting than blue-sky blandness.

It works well as part of a broader Exmoor walking holiday. Pair it with easier coastal walks around Lynmouth itself, or use Lynmouth Holiday Retreat as your base - it's only a short drive to the trailhead. Go early in the day and you'll likely have the hilltop to yourself.