Butterdon Hill

The walk up Butterdon Hill rewards you with views that stretch across Devon's moorland in a way that feels genuinely earned. It's not a massive elevation gain, but the exposed approach means wind has a proper say in the matter - bring a waterproof if you're visiting in anything other than peak summer.

From the top, you're looking out across Dartmoor and the surrounding countryside. On a clear day, the visibility is excellent. On a grey one, which is half the time out here, you get that atmospheric moorland feel that honestly appeals more to some people. The summit itself is straightforward to reach if you're starting from the nearest approach points around Exeter.

This works best for walkers who appreciate moorland terrain and don't need facilities at the top. There's no café, no visitor centre - just the hill itself. Families with young children will find the walk manageable, though if anyone struggles with wind or uneven ground, you might want to scope it out first. Allow 1.5 to 2 hours for a round trip depending on your starting point and pace.

It's free to visit and worth combining with a stay at one of the nearby parks. Barley Meadow Touring Park sits just 2.4 miles away and rates brilliantly, making it an obvious base for exploring both this hill and the wider Dartmoor area. Sunsets & Marshmallows Glamping, 3.8 miles out, offers something different if you're after a bit more comfort. Either way, this is solid moorland walking that justifies the detour.