Metheral Hill

The walk up Metheral Hill takes about forty minutes from the car park near Exeter, and it's steep enough to earn a proper cup of tea at the top. The views across Devon are genuinely worth the huff and puff - you can see right across the Exe Valley when the weather's on your side, and on a clear day the visibility stretches further than you'd expect from something that only tops out at a few hundred metres.

It's the kind of walk that suits families with kids old enough to manage the climb without constant moaning, and anyone after a quick leg-stretcher without committing to a full day in the hills. The path itself is well-trodden and straightforward enough, though it can get muddy after rain so proper footwear matters. There's nothing fancy up there - no café, no facilities - just grass, sky, and the kind of view that reminds you why the South West gets all the fuss.

If you're based at Woodland Springs Touring Park, which sits just 4.5 miles away, this makes an easy morning jaunt before heading elsewhere. It's not a day-long expedition, more a proper break from the caravan or tent. Go early if you want the car park to yourself, and avoid midday if you're not keen on crowds of other hikers having the same idea. Free to access, naturally - just turn up and walk. The real question is whether you'll make it back for lunch or get distracted by the views.