Farewell Hill

The name alone makes you want to climb it. Farewell Hill sits above Hexham in Northumberland, offering proper views across the Tyne Valley once you've made the walk up. It's not a lung-busting scramble - more a steady plod through countryside that gets better the higher you go. On a clear day you can see right across to the Pennines, which justifies the effort even if your legs disagree halfway up.

This is one for walkers and anyone keen on views without the faffing about of technical climbing. Kids will manage it fine if they're used to hills; the path is straightforward and the summit gives them something concrete to aim for. History buffs might appreciate the old stories tied to the name, though there's not much signage to explain them once you arrive.

You're looking at a couple of hours round trip depending on fitness and pace. No facilities at the top - bring water. Free to access, naturally. The real win is how it slots into a Northumberland walking holiday. Camp at one of the nearby spots like Stonehaugh Campsite or Kielder Waterside, and Farewell Hill becomes a proper morning outing before lunch in Hexham. If you're staying at Wild Northumbrian Tipis or HESLEYSIDE HUTS, even better - it's on your doorstep.

Worth doing? If you're in the area and the weather's favourable, absolutely. Don't make a special trip for it, but don't skip it either.