Castle Hill Green

The walk up Castle Hill Green takes you through proper North Devon scrubland, the kind of place where you half expect to see a red grouse bolt from the gorse. It's a modest nature reserve near Ilfracombe, nothing grand, but once you're at the top the views across the Bristol Channel pull you up short. You can see right out to Wales on a clear day.

It's walkers' territory, really. The paths are decent enough but muddy after rain - which, this being Devon, means always. Bring proper boots. The reserve itself is low-key; no visitor centre, no car park fuss. You roll up and walk. Birdwatchers come here year-round; heathland specialists will appreciate the gorse and heather, though I'd be honest - it's not as showy as some reserves further inland.

Three-quarters of an hour up and back is fair going, longer if you're the type to stop and stare. Kids will manage it, but there's not much to do once you're there besides look about, which some will find dull. If you're staying at nearby Stowford Farm Meadows, it's a decent morning excursion to work up an appetite before breakfast.

Free access, as far as I could tell, though you'll want to check before you go - these things change. Best in spring when the heathland flowers, or autumn when the light's golden and the crowds have gone. Not essential, but if you're in the Ilfracombe area and fancy a quiet walk with a purpose, it does the job.