Shaptor Woods in East Dartmoor is a phenomenal woodland packed with bluebells, birds and magnificent views. This 10k hike starts in Bovey Tracey, takes you through the glorious woods and back along part of the Wray Valley Trail.

Okehampton train station is re-opening for daily trains in late 2021 and that means the numerous trails passing through the town are even easier to access! Hiking and cycling trails that use the town include seven named ways, many of which are multi-day.Not bad for a fairly isolated moor town!

The East Devon Way is the secret half-sibling of the South West Coast Path. This 38-mile path starts in Exmouth and winds its way though the East Devon countryside, over hills, across fields and through the quaintest of villages to finish in Lyme Regis on the Jurassic Coast.

High Willhays is predominantly notable for its height and little else. To look at, it's not much. It's upstaged by its sister, Yes Tor, a stone's throw north and just 2 metres lower. But its surroundings contain myriad intrigue, and hiking here is well worth the effort.

The rain is falling like fairy dust. It's drifting down from the smudged, white sky. The sparrows are chattering, clinging onto brickwork and rattling off calls. One swoops up into the nest right outside my open balcony door. I hear a burst of cheeping, hungry mouths that never seem to be sated. 

Pen y Fan is a popular mountain for a reason, it's not technical, you can do it in a few hours and it's easy to reach. And yet many people hike it ill-prepared. It's not a day for flip flops folks.

We meandered along the club road and stopped to see if any would take off as there were already a few in the sky, gently circling under clouds in hope of gaining altitude. Turning around, we saw a glider streaming down straight towards us, only to steer away at the last minute and land with a gentle bump onto the field.

There are few things more pleasurable than spreading an OS map out on the floor, getting down on your hands and knees and having a really good look. The only thing more pleasurable is deciding on a route and setting off into glorious sunshine.