Cartington Hill

The walk up Cartington Hill rewards you with proper views across Northumberland's rolling countryside - on a clear day you can see for miles. It's not a massive summit, but that's rather the point: short enough for families to manage without complaints, long enough to feel like you've actually done something.

You get a real sense of the landscape from up there - moorland, farmland, the works. The terrain is straightforward walking rather than scrambling, which means most people can reach the top without needing specialist kit. The approach from Morpeth side is gentle enough, though your legs will know about it if you're unfit.

This is one for walkers more than casual strollers. If your kids expect facilities and cafes, they'll be disappointed - there's nothing at the summit. But if you've got a family that enjoys a proper country walk, Cartington Hill fits nicely into a Northumberland holiday. Both Riverside Rothbury Holiday Park and Whitton Glebe Caravan Park are within easy reach - 2-3 miles away - making it a straightforward half-day trip.

Allow two hours there and back at a relaxed pace. Early morning is best if you want to avoid the faffing about of other walkers. Weather matters here - on a grey day the views disappear entirely, so check the forecast first. Worth doing, but don't expect anything dramatic.