Mires Pool

The walk down to Mires Pool from South Brent is what makes it worth the trip - a proper moorland trek that actually feels like you're going somewhere rather than just ambling round a car park. The pool itself sits in a dip of Dartmoor, dark water surrounded by heather and gorse, and on a still day it's genuinely atmospheric. You won't find facilities or crowds here, which is either brilliant or slightly unsettling depending on your mood.

It's a decent spot for anyone who likes walking without the gift shop at the end. Families with older kids will manage the terrain fine; littler ones might find the trek tedious. History types get a kick from the fact this was once a medieval fish pond, though there's precious little to actually see of that now - mostly you're here for the walk itself and the sense of being out on the moor. Allow a couple of hours for the full outing including the walk down and back.

If you're staying at Ashbourne Woods or another holiday park nearby, Mires Pool makes a solid half-day excursion without the effort of heading into Dartmoor proper. It's free to visit, naturally, and there's no specific opening hours - just rock up when you fancy. Go early if you want any peace, and bring a map or GPS because the moorland paths aren't exactly signposted like a high street.