Corringdon Ball

The climb up Corringdon Ball is steep and a bit relentless, but the payoff from the 1,600-foot summit makes it worth the leg work. Standing on top of this Devon moorland peak, you've got sweeping views across Dartmoor that stretch for miles - proper expansive stuff. On a clear day, you can make out the whole landscape rolling away beneath you, all rough grass and purple heather depending on the season.

It's a straightforward walk from South Brent, the nearest town, though you'll need decent boots and a bit of fitness. Allow a couple of hours for the round trip if you're not dawdling. The walk itself takes you through moorland that feels genuinely wild, which is exactly what you want from Dartmoor. Families with older kids will manage it fine, but younger ones might struggle with the gradient and the exposed terrain - there's no shelter up there if the weather turns.

What makes Corringdon Ball work is that it doesn't feel overly touristed or tamed. You won't find a cafe at the top or crowds jostling for selfies. If you're staying nearby at Ashbourne Woods, this is a proper way to spend a morning and get the blood moving. The moorland itself is the attraction - raw, windswept, and brilliant on a sunny day. Just check the weather forecast first. Nothing worse than hiking up here in thick cloud.