Higher Hartor

The walk up Higher Hartor rewards you with one of Dartmoor's finest vantage points - assuming the mist clears. On a decent day, you can see right across the moor towards Plymouth and beyond, which makes the scramble worthwhile. It's a proper little peak, granite-topped and windswept, the kind of place that feels properly remote despite being only six miles from Plymouth.

Getting there involves a decent walk across open moorland, so it's not a lazy afternoon stroll. The terrain is rough underfoot and weather can turn quickly - I've seen people caught out by sudden fog. Bring proper boots and waterproofs, even when it looks fine at the car park. The views make it worth the effort, though, and on clear mornings it's genuinely special.

This works well for experienced walkers rather than families with small children. You're looking at two to three hours round trip depending on fitness. There's no cafe or facilities at the summit, just wind and space and that glorious moorland silence. If you're staying at Dartmoor Domes or Langstone Manor - both excellent bases - Higher Hartor makes a proper morning expedition. Pair it with a wander round Dartmoor National Park nearby for a full day out. Free to visit, naturally. Just respect the moor and come prepared.