Dough Crag

The walk up Dough Crag from near Morpeth isn't long, but it's steep enough to get your heart going. Once you crest the top, you're rewarded with proper panoramic views across Northumberland's rolling countryside - the sort of landscape that makes you understand why people settle here.

It's a straightforward fell walk rather than anything technical. Most people manage it in a couple of hours return, depending on fitness and how many times you stop to catch your breath or take photos. The path is well-trodden and reasonably clear, though it can get boggy after rain, so decent boots are essential.

This one suits active families and keen walkers more than casual strollers. Kids with strong legs will enjoy it; younger ones might find the climb tedious without proper motivation (bribery works). The views alone justify the effort, and on a clear day you can see for miles.

There's no visitor facility at the top - it's just you, the wind, and the view. Bring water and something to eat. The nearest proper base is Whitton Glebe Caravan Park, about six miles away, which gives you somewhere comfortable to return to after a good day out. If you're combining it with other walks in the area, Dough Crag slots in nicely as either a morning or afternoon objective - nothing so demanding that you're wrecked for the rest of the day.