Halstock Hill

The walk up Halstock Hill from Exeter isn't long, but it's steep enough to earn the views you get at the top. Most people do it as a half-day thing rather than a full expedition - the summit sits just south of the city, so you're looking at under an hour's walking if you're reasonably fit.

What you actually get is countryside that feels genuinely removed from Exeter despite being practically on its doorstep. On a clear day the panorama spreads out across Devon's rolling landscape, and the hill itself has that wild, windswept quality you'd expect from higher ground. It's not dramatic in the way a moorland peak is, but it's proper solid walking terrain with good footpaths.

This one works well for families who want exercise without committing to hours on the trails, and it's the sort of walk that energetic kids will actually enjoy rather than tolerate. The ascent keeps things interesting, and they can burn off steam at the top. Walkers after a quick leg-stretcher will rate it. History types won't find much to grab their attention up there.

If you're based at Woodland Springs Touring Park - a decent operation not far away - you could slot this in as a morning walk before heading elsewhere. The lack of facilities at the summit means you'll want a packed lunch rather than expecting a café, but that's hardly unusual for a Devon hill. Time it for late afternoon light and you'll get the best of the views without fighting crowds.