Hollow Tor

The walk up Hollow Tor rewards you with one of Dartmoor's most dramatic granite outcrops. It's not the highest peak on the moor - that's not really the point out here - but the rock formations are genuinely striking, and the views across the open moorland stretch for miles once you've scrambled to the top.

This is proper moorland walking territory. The ascent itself isn't steep, but the ground is boggy in places and the path winds through gorse and heather before you reach the rocky tor. Allow a good two hours from Tavistock if you're taking it at a reasonable pace and stopping to admire the granite. Most walkers find it manageable, though it's not a stroll - you'll want decent boots.

It's the kind of place that appeals to anyone who actually likes being outdoors rather than just looking at pretty postcards. Families with older kids who don't mind a bit of scrambling will enjoy it. The views alone make the effort worthwhile, and on a clear day you can see right across towards Bodmin. Avoid wet weather unless you fancy turning an ankle in the mud.

If you're staying at Langstone Manor Holiday Park or spending time exploring Dartmoor National Park nearby, Hollow Tor slots in perfectly as a half-day excursion. Park at one of the Dartmoor car parks and walk in. Free to access, obviously - it's open moorland. Go early if you're visiting in summer; the moor gets busy with tourists, and mornings tend to be quieter.