Cranmere Pool

There's nothing quite like the moment you crest the final ridge on Dartmoor and spot Cranmere Pool glinting below. This moorland lake sits at around 1,500 feet elevation, ringed by nothing but open bog and granite - no gift shop, no car park, no crowds. You're getting proper Dartmoor here.

The pool itself is modest in size, but the walk to reach it is what matters. Most people approach from Okehampton direction, a round trip of roughly five miles across exposed moorland. It's exposed, mind you - bring a waterproof layer regardless of what the forecast says. The landscape is magnificent in that bleak, honest way the moor does so well. In clear weather you can see for miles across the high ground.

Historically, this was a place of pilgrimage and a medieval letterbox was established here for walkers to deposit messages - you'll still find a stone box near the pool where people leave notes and trinkets. It's a bit sentimental, but it works.

Walkers will love this. Kids need to be competent on uneven terrain and comfortable with exposed moorland - there's nowhere to shelter, and weather changes fast up here. Families after an easy stroll should look elsewhere. If you're staying at Lydford Caravan & Camping Park nearby, this makes for a proper day's activity rather than a casual amble.

Free to visit, naturally. Allow three to four hours for the full experience. Go in settled weather, bring water, and wear boots.