Hawkes Ball

The walk up Hawkes Ball isn't long, but it's steep enough to make you work for the views. This peak sits above Newton Abbot on Dartmoor's eastern edge, and once you've hauled yourself up - probably 20 minutes if you're reasonably fit - you get proper 360-degree moorland scenery. On a clear day you can see right across Devon. The summit itself is fairly bare, just grass and gorse, with a trig point if you want to mark the spot.

This is a walker's destination, full stop. Kids might enjoy the scramble up, but there's not much to do at the top beyond stand about and look at the view. If you're staying at one of the caravan parks nearby - Dornafield or Ashbourne Woods are both within a few miles - this makes a sensible afternoon outing, maybe two hours all in. The real value is combining it with other Dartmoor walks rather than making it a special trip on its own.

Timing matters. Go early on a summer evening and you'll have the place nearly to yourself. Go mid-afternoon on a Bank Holiday and you'll have company. The moorland can turn nasty quickly, so check the weather first - nothing worse than trudging up in the mist when you came for views.

Free to visit, obviously. Parking is the usual Dartmoor arrangement - find a lay-by or rough spot and hope you've left room for other cars. Not a destination for the mobility-impaired or anyone who finds steep ground difficult.