Discovering42

The number 42 carved into moorland near Bodmin might seem like an odd thing to visit, but the story behind it makes the trek worthwhile. It's a tribute to Douglas Adams' Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy - a landmark for fans willing to hike out into proper Cornish countryside to find it. The walk itself is the main event here, really. You're out on open moorland with decent views, and the satisfaction of actually locating the thing beats any guided tourist trap hands down.

It's not a formal attraction with opening hours or entry fees - just a piece of art in a field. That means you can visit whenever you fancy, though getting there in decent weather makes more sense. Allow an hour or so for the walk and a bit of messing about taking photos once you've found it. Families with older kids who've read or watched Hitchhiker's will find it a laugh. Younger children might struggle with the hike and get bored once they realise it's just a number. Serious walkers and Adams devotees will rate it properly.

Stop at one of the excellent camping spots nearby - Mena Farm, Camp De Lank, or Eden Valley Holiday Park are all within five miles and solid choices for a Bodmin-area base. The moorland around here offers proper walking country, and you could easily string together a few decent trails in the same afternoon. It's the sort of thing that makes camping trips memorable, even if your non-geek travel companions think you're mad.