Gallow Law

The walk up Gallow Law from Hexham takes you across proper moorland, climbing steadily until you're standing on what feels like the roof of the Tyne Valley. On a clear day the views south towards the Pennines and north across Northumberland are genuinely worth the effort - not a gentle stroll, but worth it.

You'll pass through rough grassland and heather, and the summit itself is a modest plateau rather than a dramatic peak, but that's rather the point. No crowds, no visitor centre, no nonsense. Just you and the landscape. The walk takes a couple of hours up and back from the nearest approach, so budget half a day if you're doing it properly with breaks.

It's best for proper walkers rather than casual ambles. Kids will manage it if they're used to hills, but they won't find it thrilling. The views are the thing here - landscape rather than a destination in the traditional sense.

If you're based at any of the local campsites - Stonehaugh is closest at just over four miles away, or Wild Northumbrian Tipis if you fancy something more adventurous - Gallow Law makes a solid morning walk before heading into Hexham for lunch. Pair it with exploring the riverside paths around the town itself. Winter can be bleak and boggy underfoot, so spring through autumn is your window. Free to walk, obviously. Just turn up.