Haytor Car Park

The car park itself isn't much to write home about - it's tarmac and a few spaces tucked near Newton Abbot - but it's the starting point for something genuinely worthwhile. Haytor is one of Dartmoor's proper granite outcrops, and once you're up there, the views across Devon are tremendous. The walk from the car park is straightforward enough, maybe twenty minutes if you're not rushing, and the path takes you up through moorland that shifts colour with the seasons.

The rocks themselves are worth climbing around - nothing technical, just a bit of scrambling that kids seem to enjoy. On a clear day you can see right across to the coast. On a grey one it's moody and atmospheric, which honestly suits Dartmoor better anyway. The whole outing takes about ninety minutes without rushing, so it's ideal if you're staying at somewhere like Oakmoor Touring Park nearby and want a proper walk without committing to a full day trek.

It gets busy in summer weekends - you're not alone in having thought of it - so an early start pays off. Free to visit, obviously, since it's just a car park and open moorland. Not a destination that'll hold your attention for hours, but it's exactly the sort of spot that reminds you why people come to Devon. A proper stretch of the legs with genuine rewards.