Hoar Tor

The walk up to Hoar Tor from Lynton is proper steep in places, but once you're up there the views across North Devon open out in a way that makes the huffing and puffing worthwhile. It's not a massive peak - more of a proper crag with a bit of scramble involved if you fancy it - but standing at the top looking back towards the coast has a real sense of achievement about it.

You're looking at roughly an hour's walk from the valley floor, depending on fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath. The tor itself is rocky and dramatic against the moorland, the kind of spot that makes you understand why writers and walkers have always been drawn to Exmoor. The path can be muddy and boggy in wet weather, so decent boots are essential.

This is one for walkers rather than casual visitors. You won't find a café or gift shop up there - it's genuinely wild. Families with older kids who actually enjoy a proper walk will get something from it; younger children will likely find the climb tedious. History enthusiasts won't find much interpretation on site, but the landscape itself tells a story about how people have lived on this moorland for centuries.

If you're staying at Lynmouth Holiday Retreat, Hoar Tor makes a solid half-day excursion that connects you to the real heart of Exmoor rather than just the honeypot valley walk. Go early to avoid the afternoon crowds, and bring water. The exposure isn't serious, but you need a head for heights when the wind picks up.