Sharp Tor

The walk up Sharp Tor from Tavistock side is steeper than the tourist board cares to mention, but that's rather the point. This granite peak on Dartmoor isn't a gentle stroll - it's a proper climb with a payoff that justifies the huffing and puffing. Once you're up there, the views across Devon roll out endlessly: moorland dropping away in every direction, with Tavistock town itself visible tucked into the valley below.

It's a rocky summit with actual scrambling involved near the top, which means little ones under ten might find it tricky and frustrating rather than fun. Teenagers and adults who don't mind a bit of effort will get genuine satisfaction from bagging it. The granite outcrops give you something proper to clamber over, and on a clear day you can see for miles across the moor.

The whole thing takes roughly ninety minutes from the nearest car park, depending on fitness. There's no admission fee and no facilities up top, so bring water. The best time is early morning or late afternoon in summer when the light's decent and you'll avoid the midday heat while you're grind climbing.

If you're staying at Woodovis Holiday Park a few miles away, this makes a solid morning excursion before heading into Tavistock itself for lunch. It's worth the detour only if you actually enjoy walking uphill, mind. The view's fine but not life-changing - go for the effort itself, not the Instagram moment.