Doe Tor

The rocky spine of Doe Tor rises from the moorland west of Okehampton like something out of a Victorian painting. It's not a long walk from the car park - maybe twenty minutes each way - but the scramble to the summit rewards you with views across Dartmoor that stretch for miles. On a clear day you can see right across the high plateau, all moorland and sky and that particular shade of purple heather gets when the light hits it right.

This is proper walking country, not a stroll. The granite outcrops are slippery when wet - and this is Devon, so assume they will be wet - and the final push to stand on the actual tor requires a bit of scrambling. Kids aged eight and up will manage fine if they've got reasonable legs; younger ones might find it steep for what it is.

What makes Doe Tor work is that it feels genuinely wild without being inaccessible. You're on open moorland with nobody much about, even on weekends. The rocks themselves are magnificent - weathered grey granite that must have sat here for millennia. Allow ninety minutes all in, including a sit-down at the top if the weather behaves.

If you're staying at Lydford Caravan & Camping Park nearby, this makes an excellent half-day excursion. Pack waterproofs regardless of the forecast. There's a small car park at the trailhead off the B3260; check it's not rammed before you head out, as space is limited.