Cramber Tor

The walk up Cramber Tor rewards you with a proper moorland panorama that shifts depending on the light and season. It's a genuine peak rather than a gentle stroll, so come ready for it - the climb demands proper boots and the kind of energy you'd normally reserve for actual hiking.

From the summit, you get unobstructed views across Dartmoor's high ground, and on clear days the vista stretches far enough to make the effort feel justified. The tor itself is a modest rocky outcrop, nothing theatrical, but that's rather the point. This is proper moorland territory, where the landscape does the talking instead of relying on visitor facilities or interpretive boards.

The nearest base is Tavistock, a market town that sits just outside the moor proper, making it a sensible stop for provisions before heading out. If you're camped at Langstone Manor Holiday Park or staying in the Dartmoor National Park area - both within easy driving distance - Cramber Tor works as a half-day excursion that doesn't require the full wilderness commitment of some of the other peaks.

It's best tackled in dry conditions. The moorland paths can turn boggy after rain, and visibility matters up here. Summer and early autumn are ideal, though spring brings something special to the heather. Allow three to four hours including the walk and time on top. Families with confident walkers aged ten and up will manage it fine; younger children might find the sustained gradient tedious. Free to visit, naturally - there's no charge for Dartmoor walking.