Telegraph Hill

The climb up Telegraph Hill rewards you with one of the best views across Newton Abbot and the surrounding Devon countryside - that's the whole point of it, really. It's a proper vantage point, the kind of place where you actually understand the landscape rather than just driving through it.

The walk itself is straightforward enough. You're looking at maybe 20-30 minutes up from the base depending on your fitness, nothing technical, just a steady gradient through decent walking terrain. On a clear day the views reach across the town towards Dartmoor in the distance, which makes the effort worthwhile. On a grey day? Less magical, to be honest, but the walk's still pleasant if you're already in Newton Abbot.

It suits walkers and anyone keen on local views more than families with young kids - there's nothing at the top except the view itself, no cafe or facilities. Teenagers might enjoy the scramble up, but toddlers will find it dull. The real pull is for people staying at one of the nearby caravan parks - Oakmoor Touring Park and Dornafield are both close enough that it makes a decent half-hour detour during a longer walk. If you're based at The Smithy or Brownscombe's glamping spots, it's worth adding to your itinerary as a morning walk.

Go early or late in the day if you can. The light's better, and you'll avoid any crowds, though honestly it's rarely packed. Free to visit, unrestricted access - just sensible boots and decent weather.