St Catherine's Tor

The walk up St Catherine's Tor from Bideford isn't long, but it's steep enough that you'll feel it in your calves. The tor itself - a dramatic rocky outcrop rising abruptly from the Devon landscape - rewards the huffing and puffing with views that stretch across the Torridge valley and, on a clear day, out towards the coast. It's the sort of place where you understand why medieval folk built chapels on high points; there's something about standing up there that makes you feel properly removed from things.

The summit is basically a pile of boulders, which means it's genuinely fun for older kids to scramble about on, though younger ones will need supervision. Walkers should allow 45 minutes to an hour round trip from Bideford town centre - nothing strenuous by serious hiker standards, but perfectly pleasant if you're after a morning's outing. The terrain is rough underfoot in places, so proper boots matter more than trainers.

Historically, there was a medieval chapel up here, though there's precious little left to see now beyond the setting itself. That doesn't diminish the appeal if you're into landscape history rather than building remains. It slots nicely into a broader walking holiday centred on the Bideford area, especially if you're staying at one of the nearby glamping spots like Coastal Cabins or Atlantic Horizons - both are well-positioned for exploring this part of North Devon without needing to drive constantly. Go early morning to avoid the crowds, and bring water.