Brownhart Law Roman Fortlet

There's not much left standing at Brownhart Law, but that's rather the point. This Roman fortlet sits on a windswept ridge near Otterburn, and what you're looking at is the archaeological bones of a supply post that once kept the legions moving along Dere Street. The views across the Northumberland hills are genuinely tremendous - on a clear day you can see for miles.

You'll need to be prepared to work for it. The walk up is a proper slog, especially in wet conditions, and there's no interpretation board or visitor centre to hold your hand. What you get instead is raw landscape and the satisfaction of standing where Roman soldiers once stood. Walkers and history types will find it rewarding; families with young children might find it a bit underwhelming given the effort involved.

It's free to visit and open year-round, though spring and autumn are better bets than winter when the exposed ridge can be brutal. Allow a couple of hours for the walk and a poke around the site itself. The fortlet pairs well with a stay at Border Forest Holiday Park, just five miles away - use it as a half-day outing between longer walks in the Kielder area. Don't expect reconstructions or shops; expect sheep, wind, and the genuine article.