Walkies at Wixenford

The walk up to Wixenford from Plymouth isn't a famous pilgrimage route, but it should be. You're climbing through proper Devon countryside - the kind where the hedgerows actually tower over you and the paths narrow to almost nothing between stone walls. The real payoff comes when you reach the high point and the landscape just opens up. You can see right across Dartmoor, across to the coast on a clear day, and suddenly you understand why people bother living out here.

It's genuinely rewarding for walkers, particularly anyone who wants a decent hike without needing to commit to a full day on the moor itself. The ascent takes it out of you - that's not a criticism, it's the whole point - but the views from the top make the huffing and puffing worthwhile. A solid two hours round trip, depending on your pace and how long you linger. Best tackled in the morning when the light's good and you've still got energy.

Families with confident young walkers will get something out of it, but toddlers or reluctant kids might find the climb frustrating with no obvious reward until the very end. History buffs won't find much to chew on here - this is about the landscape, not heritage.

If you're staying at Dartmoor Domes or Hidden Hill Devon just down the road, Wixenford is the sort of walk that justifies choosing an outdoor holiday base. It's free, naturally, and there's parking rough enough that you don't need to overthink logistics. Go on a weekday if you want the place to yourself.