Haytor Mutt Mayhem

The granite tors around Haytor are proper Dartmoor, and this particular stretch has become something of a pilgrimage for dog owners who've heard the name and had a laugh. There's no official "Mutt Mayhem" attraction as such - it's the locals who've adopted the tongue-in-cheek nickname for what's essentially a cracking walk through moorland where your dog will absolutely lose their mind in the best way.

What you actually get is access to the high ground near Newton Abbot, with those distinctive rocky outcrops and open grassland that dogs genuinely adore. There are several routes of varying difficulty, from gentle slopes to steeper climbs up to the tors themselves. The views across Dartmoor are genuine - on a clear day you'll see for miles, and your four-legged mate will have space to burn off energy without worrying about walls or roads. Allow two to three hours for a proper explore, longer if you're taking photographs.

This is obviously dog-walker territory first and foremost, though the landscape appeals to anyone after proper moorland scenery. Families with energetic kids will find it worthwhile too. It's free to access, and the nearby Oakmoor Touring Park makes a good base if you're planning a longer Devon trip - though note it's adults only, so families would need to look elsewhere for accommodation.

Go early on weekends if possible. Midweek is quieter, and you'll dodge the crowds heading out from Newton Abbot. The exposed moorland means weather changes quickly, so pack waterproofs even when it looks fine.