Dunkery Beacon, Wheddon Cross, Minehead, Somerset
Dunkery Beacon is not only the highest point in Exmoor National Park, at 520m it's also the highest point in the whole of Somerset. It's worth the walk to the summit for the views alone; it can be harsh and a little on the unforgiving side when the weather's not so good, so if that's the case, wrap up warm. On the other hand, pick a blazing hot day and you'll need your sunhat and sun cream because there's not much shelter on the hill. It won't take you long, it's only just over half a mile but in the summer, be warned, it can seem like a pilgrimage with lots of people plodding up the path.
There's a stone cairn at the top of Dunkery Beacon, and what an amazing backdrop for photographs – king of the world! Take the time to look around and you'll agree that the views are phenomenal. To the north you can see across the Bristol Channel to Wales - on a clear day you can see as far as the Brecon Beacons and Pen Y Fan. To the east are the Quantocks and the Mendip Hills; Devon stretches to the south, with distant views of Dartmoor, and to the west are the rolling hills of North Devon.
Its proper Exmoor country is Dunkery Beacon; those wild moors, topped with a blush of purple heather in the summer, and if you're lucky you might see wild ponies grazing, or red deer. Listen out for skylarks, see if you can spot snipe or kestrels. Find a nice spot for a picnic, or head to Perinwinkle CottageTea Rooms at Selworthy for a cream tea, and The Ship at Porlock for fish and chips.
All information correct at the time of writing