Butterdon Hill

The walk up Butterdon Hill rewards you with views that stretch across Dartmoor like someone's just pulled back a curtain. It's not a difficult climb - South Brent sits at the foot of it, making this an easy afternoon out rather than a full day's expedition. The summit opens up across the moorland properly, and on a clear day you can see right across the National Park.

This is walker territory, frankly. The paths are straightforward enough that families with older kids manage it without complaint, but it's not the sort of place you'd drag reluctant toddlers to. Allow an hour to ninety minutes up and down depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top. Go early if you can - the light's better and you'll have the place largely to yourself.

What makes it worth the effort is the feeling of being properly on the moor rather than just looking at it from a car park. The heather, the views, the sense of space - it's all there without needing scrambling gear or serious fitness. Peak bagging types will tick this one off easily, and it slots perfectly into a longer Dartmoor exploration if you're based at one of the nearby holiday parks. Ashbourne Woods and Hidden Hill Devon Glamping are both within striking distance, so you could do this as a morning walk before settling back for the afternoon.