Great Hangman

The walk up Great Hangman near Ilfracombe is steep, no getting round it. But once you've climbed 1,043 feet, the payoff is proper - you're standing on one of Devon's highest coastal peaks, with views that stretch across the Bristol Channel towards Wales on a clear day. The North Devon coastline unfolds beneath you in both directions, all craggy cliffs and hidden coves.

It's a walk for people who don't mind a bit of graft. Two to three hours round trip from the car park, and your legs will know about it on the way down. The path starts near Ilfracombe and cuts through moorland before climbing steeply through woodland. Children aged eight upwards will manage it fine, though younger ones might struggle with the gradient. History buffs get a bonus - the peak's rather grim name comes from an old local tale about a man hanged here, though honestly the views are far more memorable than the backstory.

There's no admission charge - just turn up and go. Summer weekends draw crowds, so go early or pick a quieter day if you want the place to yourself. After the walk, Ilfracombe's got everything you need: ice cream, fish and chips, and plenty of pubs. The nearby holiday parks like Sandaway Beach and Newberry Valley are close enough to make this a proper half-day outing, and they're well-placed for exploring the wider North Devon coast. Worth the effort.