Southern Ball

Southern Ball sits at 1,595 feet above the North Devon coast, and the walk up from Lynton is properly steep. You're rewarded with views that stretch across the Bristol Channel on a clear day, though I'll be honest - it's not dramatic in the way some peaks are. The summit itself is fairly bare moorland with a trig point to mark the spot.

The real appeal here is the walk itself rather than the destination. It's manageable for fit families with older kids, though younger ones might find the climb tedious without much to look at at the top. The route from Lynton takes about an hour each way depending on your pace, and the effort does feel justified by the expansive moorland around you once you crest the ridge.

Walkers tackling the longer coastal trails between Lynton and Lynmouth often bag Southern Ball as a detour, which makes sense if you're already in the area. It works well as a half-day outing rather than a main event. The exposed moorland can be windy and wet, so check the weather before heading up - a dull day strips away most of the appeal.

If you're staying at Lynmouth Holiday Retreat, it's close enough to pop up for an afternoon, though I'd skip it in poor visibility. The views matter here, and you won't get much on a grey day.