Skir Hill

The walk up Skir Hill takes about twenty minutes from South Brent, and it's a proper leg-stretcher rather than a stroll. You're climbing 300-odd metres through open moorland, and the views back down to the town and across Dartmoor are genuinely worth the huffing and puffing. The summit isn't crowded - you won't find the tourist hordes you get on Tor Bay's more famous peaks. On a clear day the visibility is excellent, rolling brown moorland stretching out in every direction. The ground underfoot is moorland grass and the occasional muddy patch - wear decent boots.

Walkers will find this rewarding. It's short enough for families with decent-aged kids, though little ones might struggle with the gradient and get bored once they've reached the top. There's not much to do once you're up there besides stand around taking photos and catching your breath, so don't expect a tea room or facilities. Bring a flask if you want one.

The real draw is pairing it with a stay in Dartmoor National Park, just 3.8 miles away. Skir Hill works as a proper morning walk before heading into the main park for afternoon exploring, or as a warm-up if you're planning something more ambitious. Free to access, naturally. Go on a weekday if you can - weekends pull in more walkers, though it's still quieter than the honeypot trails. Early morning light across the moor is genuinely lovely.