Rough Tor, Bodmin Moor

Choose a fine day and wear sensible shoes or walking boots. This isn’t a hike but not a walk in the park either.

If you aren’t walkers (we aren’t) then the prospect looks a bit daunting looking up from the car park (free and easily reached from a right-hand turning as you begin to leave Camelford heading north). However, progress is fairly swift and if you head towards Little Rough Tor on the left you are soon treated with excellent views over the moors.

Then make your way across to the larger Rough Tor, which involves a bit of clambering to explore fully. Retrace your steps to return to the carpark, don’t try to clamber down Rough Tor. Or do what Mary did, pretend to twist an ankle and get a helicopter sent out for you.

The area is covered with Neolithic, Bronze age and Medieval field formations, enclosures and hut circles. It needs a bit of imagination to work out what and where they are, but it is cool to be in amongst ancient history. To be honest, I think there were much more sensible place to establish a settlement but hey, that’s 4,000BC for you.

Highly recommended, especially as this site of special scientific interest and National Park is on the doorstep of the lodge. Allow 3 hours, more if you have a nap at the top. OK for teenagers and older, I wouldn’t attempt it with little people.