Heathfield Down

Rolling moorland and scattered woodland define Heathfield Down, sitting just inland from Plymouth on Devon's edge. It's the sort of place where you can actually hear yourself think - no gift shops, no visitor centre, just open country that rewards a proper wander.

The terrain shifts as you move across it. Start in the heathland bits and you'll find low scrub, gorse when it flowers yellow, and views that stretch toward Dartmoor on a clear day. The woodland patches offer shade and a bit of shelter when the wind picks up, which it does on exposed ground like this. The walking's straightforward - nothing technical, just boots and a sense of direction.

It's ideal for walkers wanting something less crowded than the obvious spots, families with kids old enough for a couple of hours' tramping, and anyone after a genuine Devon landscape without the drama. You won't need more than two to three hours here unless you really dawdle, which isn't a bad thing on moorland.

If you're staying at Hidden Hill Devon just down the road - all hot tubs and glamping - this works as a morning adventure before heading back for lunch. Free to access, no facilities to speak of, so bring water and decent shoes. The light changes fast across open ground, so don't leave it too late in the afternoon. It's not spectacular in the way Dartmoor is, but there's something quietly rewarding about a place that doesn't try too hard.