Great Buscombe

The walk up to Great Buscombe's summit takes you through proper Devon moorland - gorse, heather, the occasional sheep staring at you like you've no business being there. From the top, the views across Exmoor are genuinely stunning, stretching all the way to the Bristol Channel on a clear day. You can see right down to Lynton below, which makes for decent orientation if you're new to the area.

It's a solid two-hour outing from the town itself, depending on your pace and how many times you stop to catch your breath or admire the vista. The terrain's manageable but not flat - expect steady climbing and worn paths that show just how many people have had the same idea over the years. Walkers will find it rewarding rather than punishing; families with older kids will manage fine, though younger ones might grumble about the gradient.

If you're staying at Lynmouth Holiday Retreat nearby, this makes an excellent morning hike before heading back for lunch. The peak's best visited when the weather's cooperating - on a grey day it feels a bit bleak and the views vanish entirely, which rather defeats the purpose. Sunrise or late afternoon gives you the best light, though the moorland can get boggy after rain so proper boots matter.

There's something refreshingly unspoilt about Great Buscombe. No visitor centre, no gift shop, no crowds jostling for the perfect Instagram angle. Just you, the wind, and a proper slice of Exmoor.