Hatherleigh Tor

The climb up Hatherleigh Tor takes about twenty minutes if you're not dawdling, and the rocky outcrop itself is modest compared to some of Dartmoor's showier peaks. But that's precisely why it works. You get genuine moorland walking without the crowds that plague Hay Tor or Widecombe, and the views across Devon are properly substantial once you're up there.

It's a straightforward walk from the car park - no scrambling required, no technical bits - which makes it suitable for reasonably fit families and walkers of mixed ability. The ground can be boggy after rain, so proper footwear matters. Allow an hour for the whole outing if you're not rushing, or twenty minutes there and back if you're just grabbing a quick summit.

The tor itself consists of weathered granite blocks worth photographing, especially in late afternoon light when the shadows get interesting. History types will appreciate that you're standing on ancient upland with Bronze Age remains scattered across the surrounding moor, though there's nothing marked up or signposted to hand-hold you through it.

If you're based at Oakmoor Touring Park nearby - just three miles away - this makes an excellent morning walk before heading elsewhere. It's free, accessible, and doesn't demand a full day's commitment. Newton Abbot sits south for supplies and facilities. It's not the most dramatic tor on Dartmoor, but it's honest walking with decent payoff.