Bullaton Rock

The rocky outcrop that rises above the moorland south of Newton Abbot is one of those spots that rewards a proper scramble. Bullaton Rock demands actual effort - it's not a casual amble - but the payoff is a genuine 360-degree view across Dartmoor that most day-trippers miss because they're queuing at prettier, busier vantage points.

You're looking at granite exposed and weathered by millennia, with the landscape rolling away in all directions. On a clear day you can pick out the distant tors; when the mist rolls in, it's properly moody. The climb itself is straightforward enough for anyone with reasonable fitness, though the final pitch requires a bit of scrambling and sure feet. There's nothing technical about it, just need to watch your footing on loose stone.

Historically-minded types will appreciate that these moorlands were worked for tin and copper - you'll spot old mine workings scattered across the terrain if you know what you're looking for. It's the kind of place that tells you something about what people did here centuries back.

Walkers will get the most from Bullaton Rock. It's not a destination for families with young children unless they're confident scrambles. Allow two to three hours round trip depending on your pace and how long you linger at the summit. Free to visit, naturally. Spring and early summer are best - you'll avoid the boggy patches that make it grim in winter.

Staying at Oakmoor Touring Park nearby gives you a proper base for exploring this stretch of Dartmoor. Bullaton Rock pairs well with the broader moorland walks in the area.