Hood Ball

The walk up Hood Ball rewards you with one of those views that makes the effort worthwhile. It's a proper little peak on the edge of Dartmoor, rising to 1,430 feet, and from the top you can see right across the moor in all directions. South Brent sits just a few miles away in the valley below, and on a clear day the visibility stretches for miles.

Getting there is straightforward enough. The climb itself isn't steep - more of a steady walk than a hike - and takes around 45 minutes from the nearest parking. The ground can be boggy after rain, so come prepared with decent boots. There's no café, no facilities, nothing fancy at the summit itself. You get what Dartmoor always gives you: space, silence, and views that change with the light.

This is walker territory, really. History enthusiasts might find the Bronze Age settlements scattered about the moor interesting, but you won't find much interpretation on site. Families with younger kids could manage it, though toddlers would struggle with the muddy patches. Allow yourself a couple of hours for the whole outing if you're not rushing.

If you're based at one of the caravan parks - Ashbourne Woods or Dornafield are closest - Hood Ball makes a natural half-day expedition. It's free, obviously, and you won't need to book anything. Go early to avoid the afternoon crowds, especially at weekends. The weather can turn quickly up here, so check the forecast first.