Brough Law

The walk up Brough Law takes about forty minutes if you're not dawdling, and most of it's straightforward enough. You're basically climbing a hill that sits just south of Alnwick, watching the landscape open out as you gain height - nothing dramatic, but the sort of walk that gets under your skin because it feels properly Northumbrian.

The summit itself sits at around 340 metres and you'll find an Iron Age hill fort up there, which is why people bother making the effort. The ramparts are still visible if you know what you're looking for, though they're not going to blow your mind with their grandeur. What makes it worthwhile is the view back towards the Cheviot Hills and across the rolling countryside toward the coast. On a clear day you can see for miles.

Walkers will get more from this than casual visitors. It's not a scramble and there's no technical difficulty, just a steady climb on paths that vary from grassy to muddy depending on the weather. History enthusiasts might spend an extra twenty minutes poking around the fort remains, but honestly, you're here for the walk and the space as much as the archaeology.

If you're based at River Breamish Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite nearby, it's a cracking addition to a day exploring the area. Free to visit, no time restrictions - just turn up with decent boots. Worth the detour if you're staying locally and fancy some fresh air, though it's not worth planning your entire trip around.