Coomb Edge

The walk up to Coomb Edge rewards effort with proper far-reaching views across Northumberland's rolling moorland. It's not a dramatic peak - more of a substantial hill that commands attention because of what you can see from the top rather than the climb itself.

You get sweeping panoramas across the Tyne Valley and towards the Pennines on a clear day, which makes the huffing and puffing worthwhile. The moorland around it is typical Northumberland - open, windswept, and genuinely quiet if you time it right. Most visitors are walkers tackling sections of longer routes rather than making it a destination on its own.

This works best as part of a wider day's walking rather than a standalone trip. Hexham makes the obvious base - it's close enough and has proper amenities when you've finished. If you're camping at Kielder Campsite five miles away, Coomb Edge slots nicely into your walking itinerary without requiring a massive detour.

Allow an hour for the ascent and descent depending on fitness, plus time to linger at the top if the weather's playing ball. There's nothing to pay, nothing to book. Just turn up with decent boots and a map. Spring and autumn are best - summer can draw midges, and winter brings its own challenges on exposed moorland. It's absolutely worth the effort if you're already in the area hiking, though don't expect the drama of higher peaks.