Blackchurch Rock

The walk down to Blackchurch Rock from near Bideford takes you through proper Devon countryside, then suddenly the land just drops away and there's this dramatic dark outcrop jutting into the sea. It's the kind of view that makes you stop halfway down the path and just stare for a bit.

The rock itself is black - unsurprisingly - and tower-like, accessible at low tide if you're willing to scramble over the beach and wade through shallow water. Most people don't bother. They come for the viewpoint, which sits high enough to take in miles of the North Devon coast without the crowds you get at the famous spots further east.

It's a walker's destination, really. The path from the top is steep in places and the scramble down takes a good 20 minutes, so it's not suited to very small kids or anyone with mobility issues. But if you're comfortable with uneven ground and don't mind getting a bit breathless, it rewards you. The rock itself is dramatic from below, dark against the lighter stone cliffs, and the whole thing feels genuinely wild.

Timing-wise, go when the tide's out if you want to get close to the rock itself. Spring tides are best, though checking the local tide times first saves disappointment. There's no charge and no facilities at the top, so bring water.

Stay at Roeys Retreat or Coastal Cabins - both are within three miles and make excellent bases for exploring this stretch of coast. The rock fits perfectly into a week tackling the quieter bits of North Devon.