Ryder's Hill

The walk up Ryder's Hill from South Brent is proper moorland stuff - bracken, granite outcrops, and the kind of views that justify leaving the car behind. It's not a long slog; most people do it in under an hour and find themselves at a real summit with actual perspective on the landscape below.

What you get is moorland walking without the commitments. The hill itself is modest by Dartmoor standards, but that's rather the point. You're looking across the moor with Dartmoor National Park spreading out behind you, and on a clear day it reads like a proper map. The approaches are straightforward enough for families who don't mind a bit of elevation gain, though small kids might find the final rocky bit tedious.

Timing-wise, allow 90 minutes return if you're not rushing. Spring and autumn are best - summer brings the midges and winter can turn boggy fast. It's free, obviously, and there's parking near South Brent. Go mid-week if you want the moor to yourself.

For a park-based holiday, Ryder's Hill works brilliantly as a half-day excursion from Dartmoor National Park. It's close enough to feel manageable but far enough out to feel like proper countryside rather than a car park walk. Not flashy, but solid moorland walking that actually delivers on the landscape.