Great Links Tor

The walk up Great Links Tor rewards you with one of Dartmoor's most dramatic viewpoints, and frankly, it's worth every step. The tor itself rises sudden and sharp from the moorland near Okehampton, a proper granite outcrop that looks even more impressive once you're standing on top of it.

Getting there takes about 45 minutes on foot from the nearest car park - the path winds through open moorland, so there's no shade and the wind can be vicious. But that's half the appeal. You're properly exposed to the elements, which somehow makes the views hit harder when you reach the summit. On a clear day you can see right across Dartmoor's rolling tors and sweeping valleys. The rocky peak itself is scramble-friendly without being technical, though it's slippery when wet.

This is walker territory, no question. History buffs might appreciate that you're on ancient moorland, but there's no narrative arc here - it's purely about the landscape and the exertion. Families with young kids would struggle with the length and lack of facilities, though teenagers who like a proper challenge would find it satisfying.

You'll need proper boots and waterproofs. Allow two to three hours for the round trip depending on pace and how long you loiter on top. It's free, obviously - it's Dartmoor. If you're staying at Lydford Caravan & Camping Park just down the road, it's an ideal half-day outing that doesn't require driving far.