Danes Hill

The walk up Danes Hill rewards you with proper Devon views - moorland rolling out in all directions and, on a clear day, sight lines all the way to the Blackdowns. It's not dramatic like the big West Country peaks, but that's rather the point. This is working landscape: sheep, stone walls, and sky. From Chard, it's an easy enough drive to find the start, though parking is the sort of roadside affair that requires a bit of patience.

The climb itself takes the better part of an hour depending on your pace and which route you choose. Nothing too strenuous, but you will feel it in the legs if you're not used to moorland walking. The ground is proper boggy in places after rain, so good boots matter. History enthusiasts might be interested to know this area has been walked for centuries - local folklore clings to these hills, though there's not much in the way of formal interpretation on the ground.

Families with younger children might find the walk a bit long for the payoff, though keen walkers will appreciate the isolation. There's something pleasantly unglamorous about it - no gift shop, no facilities, just the landscape and your own company. Come in autumn or early spring when the light sits differently on the moorland.

If you're based at Hartridge Springs Spa Glamping nearby, this makes an excellent half-day outing to break up the relaxation. It's the sort of walk that leaves you ready for a proper dinner rather than exhausted.