Bowden Tor

The walk up Bowden Tor rewards you with one of those rare Devon views that actually justifies the climb. It's a proper granite outcrop rising above moorland near Newton Abbot, the kind of spot where you can see for miles on a clear day across the South Hams and beyond.

The tor itself isn't enormous - you're looking at maybe 20 minutes from the car park if you're taking your time, less if you're charging up. The path is well-trodden and straightforward enough, though it gets a bit steep near the top. Children will manage it without fuss, though the younger ones might need a hand over the rockier sections. The views from the summit justify the effort: moorland rolling away in every direction, and on a decent day you can pick out the hills towards Dartmoor.

It's the sort of walk that fits perfectly into a park holiday around here. If you're staying at Oakmoor Touring Park just down the road, Bowden Tor makes an excellent half-morning outing before heading back for lunch. No entry fee, no opening hours to worry about - just pull off and go. Best visited when the weather's settled because the exposed summit gets wet and windy when the weather turns, and that's when the views disappear entirely. Worth combining with a walk around Parke Estate nearby if you want to make a proper day of it.