Brownley Hill

The walk up Brownley Hill rewards you with some of the best views across the Tyne Valley if you time it right. It's not a massive undertaking - most people manage it in an afternoon from Hexham - and the path itself is straightforward enough, though it does get a bit steep towards the summit. On a clear day you can see for miles across Northumberland, which makes the huffing and puffing worthwhile.

This is proper walker territory rather than a casual stroll destination. If you're staying at somewhere like Panoramic Pods nearby, it makes an excellent morning outing before settling back with a view from your pod. The hill suits anyone who fancies a genuine climb without needing technical gear or spending all day on it. Kids who can manage their legs for an hour or so will get a real sense of achievement at the top.

Bring layers - the weather changes fast up here, and you'll want decent footwear because the ground can be boggy in patches. There's no visitor centre or café at the summit, so pack your own provisions if you want to sit and soak it in. The light in late afternoon is particularly good for photos, though that means coming down in gathering dusk if you're not careful.

It's the kind of spot that feels less overrun than the bigger Northumberland peaks, which is precisely why it's worth the drive from Hexham. Free to access, naturally. Allow two to three hours for a comfortable outing.