Hingston Rocks

The granite outcrop rises suddenly from the Devon moorland, all weathered stone and gorse. Hingston Rocks isn't a massive climb - you're looking at a short walk from nearby Exeter - but the views across Dartmoor make it worth the effort. Once you've scrambled up, you get proper panoramic stuff: rolling hills disappearing into the distance, and on a clear day you can see for miles. It's the kind of spot where you understand why people bother with hills at all.

This one's ideal for walkers and families with older kids who won't complain about a bit of a hike. The scramble itself is straightforward, nothing technical, though it's worth watching your footing on the granite - it can be slippery when wet. Allow an hour or so if you're taking photos and having a sit-down. The views alone make it worth the detour from Exeter.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Barley Meadow is particularly well-reviewed and only four miles away - this makes a cracking morning's work before lunch. Sunsets & Marshmallows glamping site is even closer. The whole area is good for combining with other Dartmoor walks, so you could easily make a bigger day of it. No facilities up there, so bring water and a snack. It's free to visit, and you can walk it any time.