Hound Tor

You don't need crampons to reach Hound Tor, but you will need decent boots and probably fifteen minutes of actual effort. This moorland outcrop rises 1,336 feet above Dartmoor, and from the top you'll see for miles across Devon - proper exposed granite tor with views that stretch to Exeter on a clear day.

The walk from the car park is straightforward enough, though the path gets rocky underfoot as you climb. The real draw is the walk itself as much as the summit. Hound Tor sits among Bronze Age hut circles and medieval settlement ruins - you're literally walking through layers of history, which beats a plaque any day. Sheep often outnumber people up here, especially weekday mornings.

This works well for families with older children who won't grumble about 45 minutes of hiking. It's not a casual stroll, but it's not a serious expedition either. History enthusiasts get far more from it because you can spend ages spotting the abandoned homestead remains and trying to imagine who lived here centuries back. Adults with a decent level of fitness will manage it easily; younger kids might find the exposed sections a bit hair-raising.

If you're staying at Woodland Springs Touring Park near Exeter, Hound Tor makes a proper morning or afternoon outing. It's free, always accessible, and worth the drive. Go midweek if you can - weekends get a bit busier with school groups and Instagram hunters.