Maiden Hill

The climb up Maiden Hill rewards you with proper moorland views across Dartmoor - the kind of perspective that makes you understand why people keep coming back to this corner of Devon. It's not a huge summit by any means, but the walk itself is straightforward enough for most fitness levels, and the views across to Tavistock and beyond justify the effort.

You get Bronze Age remains up here too, which adds a bit of weight to the walk beyond just bagging another peak. The ground can be boggy in places, especially after rain, so decent boots matter. The whole thing takes a couple of hours at a leisurely pace - worth doing early in the day when the light's better for photos and you've got the moor largely to yourself.

Families with older children will manage fine, though younger legs might find the moorland stretches a bit dull. It's the kind of walk that older hikers genuinely enjoy - no crowds, genuine Dartmoor atmosphere, and you're not fighting for space with a hundred other people at the top. Free to access, obviously, and it sits nicely within striking distance of Dartmoor National Park itself. If you're staying at Langstone Manor or Lydford, both just over five miles away, this makes for a proper morning outing without needing to travel far. The moor can shift mood quickly, so check conditions before heading out.