Clew Hill

The walk up Clew Hill takes about forty minutes from Hexham, and it's one of those Northumberland peaks that rewards you without demanding too much. The summit sits at 1,100 feet, offering views across the Tyne Valley that genuinely catch you off guard - on a clear day you're looking right across to the Pennines.

It's a straightforward ascent through moorland and rough grass. The path is well-trodden but gets boggy in places, so proper footwear matters. You'll find the landscape changes as you climb - from pastoral fields at the base to open moorland with gorse and heather. The views broaden with every hundred feet gained.

Walkers will get the most from this. It's not a casual stroll, but it's not a full day commitment either. Two hours round trip with a proper pause at the top. Families with teenagers would manage fine; younger kids might find the boggy sections tedious. History types might appreciate the wider landscape - Hadrian's Wall territory lies not far off - though Clew Hill itself isn't laden with ruins.

If you're staying at any of the nearby sites - Hadrian's Wall Campsite or Herding Hill Farm glamping are both within five miles - this makes a cracking morning or afternoon outing. The weather in Northumberland changes fast, so check conditions before you set off. Free to access, no facilities at the top, so bring water and something to eat. Worth the walk.