Stepping Stones

The Stepping Stones near Exeter are exactly what the name promises - a series of flat stones crossing the River Exe, worn smooth by centuries of feet. They're not dramatic, not particularly ancient-looking, and honestly you could cross them in under a minute if you're not faffing about with photos. But there's something about them that works, especially on a sunny afternoon when the light catches the water and you're deciding whether to commit to wet shoes.

They sit in open countryside a few miles south of Exeter, accessible by a short riverside walk. Families often make a pilgrimage here because kids genuinely love the mild peril of hopping across running water without getting soaked. Adults tend to either embrace the daftness or stand about looking mildly concerned. Fair warning: the stones get slippery when wet, and that river moves properly during wet weather.

There's no visitor centre, no café, no entry fee - you just turn up and wade in. Allow twenty minutes if you're taking it seriously with a child, five if you're alone and in a hurry. It's free, obviously.

If you're staying near Dartmoor National Park for a proper walking holiday, the Stepping Stones work as a gentle afternoon diversion rather than a destination in themselves. They're on a pleasant route, they're easy, and they break up the drive between Exeter and moorland. Not life-changing, but a proper outing.