Dand's Pike

The walk up Dand's Pike from Hexham way isn't long, but it's steep enough to get your legs working. Once you're up there, the view across Northumberland opens right out - rolling moorland stretching away, proper expansive stuff. On a clear day you can see for miles. It's the kind of summit that rewards you without demanding hours of your time.

This is walker territory. Families with young kids might find the climb a bit much for what it is, and there's nothing to do once you're at the top except stand around and admire. But if you're after a brisk couple of hours of hill walking with decent views at the end, it does the job well. The moorland around here is open and windswept - bring a jacket.

The nearest facilities are in Hexham, so stock up before you head out. Parking near the trailhead is straightforward. Most people allow a couple of hours for the round trip, depending on fitness and how long you linger at the summit. It's not a destination in itself, but it slots nicely into a broader walk across the Northumberland hills.

If you're camping at Kielder, it's only a few miles away and makes a good addition to a day exploring the area. The peak itself is free, obviously - it's just moorland. Go when the weather's decent; cloud cover makes the whole thing feel a bit pointless.