Butter Hill

The walk up Butter Hill rewards you with one of the finest views along the North Devon coast, and it's far less crowded than the honeypot spots around Lynton. The climb itself is straightforward enough - nothing that'll have you gasping for air - and takes a decent hour return depending on your pace. Once you're up there, the panorama across the Bristol Channel spreads out properly. Clear days are magic; you can see Wales on the horizon, and the cliffs tumbling down to the sea below catch the light in extraordinary ways.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's a genuine trek rather than a stroll, but not a slog. Families with reasonably fit kids will manage fine, though younger ones might need carrying on the steeper bits. There's nothing much to do once you summit except stand about admiring the view and eating a sandwich, so don't expect play areas or tearoom facilities. That's partly why it's worth the effort - it stays peaceful.

The nearest proper base is Lynton itself, just two miles away, where Lynmouth Holiday Retreat offers decent accommodation for a week's exploration of this stretch of coast. Combine Butter Hill with walks around the Valley of the Rocks or down to Watersmeet for a proper day out in the area. Condition of paths can be dodgy in wet weather - bring proper boots. No entry fee, no fixed hours. Go early morning if you want solitude.