Penn Beacon

The climb to Penn Beacon rewards you with one of the finest views across Dartmoor and south Devon. It's a proper moorland peak, rising just under 2,000 feet, and the walk up takes roughly an hour depending on your fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath.

What you get at the top is genuinely worth the slog. On a clear day you can see right across the moor, with Dartmoor's higher peaks visible in the distance and the softer landscape rolling away towards Plymouth and the coast beyond. The summit itself is marked, and there's usually a breeze up here even when the valley below is still.

This is walkers' terrain, not a casual stroll. Bring proper boots because the ground can be boggy in places, especially after rain. The path is reasonably well-trodden and the ascent is steady rather than brutal. You'll want at least two to three hours for the round trip if you're not rushing.

Historically minded types will appreciate that you're walking across ancient moorland with Bronze Age remains scattered about - keep your eyes open. Families with older children (10+) can manage it fine, though younger kids might struggle with the distance and terrain. Early morning is best to avoid the moorland mist that rolls in later.

It sits perfectly within a Dartmoor holiday based near Plymouth. Dartmoor Domes, just 3.2 miles away, offers glamping with quick access to walks like this. Combine Penn Beacon with other high moorland walks in the area for a proper moorland break.