Petit Tor

The walk up Petit Tor is properly short - maybe twenty minutes if you're not dawdling - which makes it one of those rare occasions where even reluctant walkers won't complain. You're looking at a modest peak just outside Torquay with views across the bay that justify the minimal effort required to get there.

It's the kind of place families with young children actually manage without drama. The path is straightforward enough, and once you're up there, the payoff is decent: sea views stretching out toward the horizon, and on clear days you can clock the sweep of Torbay below. Nothing dramatic, nothing that'll make you feel you've conquered Everest, but genuinely pleasant for an hour's outing from one of the nearby holiday parks - Parkdean Resorts Torquay is barely a mile and a half away if you're based there.

Historically it's unremarkable, which is fine. This isn't about soaking up centuries of heritage. It's about getting outside your accommodation, moving your legs, and seeing a decent chunk of the Devon coast without committing to a full day's expedition. Kids will manage it without too much grumbling, older walkers won't break a sweat, and it slots nicely into a day that includes beach time or exploring Torquay's seafront.

Best visited mid-morning before afternoon crowds, though "crowds" might be generous for a place this low-key. Free, naturally - it's just a hillside. Worth the detour if you're staying locally? Absolutely, if you've got an hour to kill and fancy a view.