Great Watch Hill

The walk up Great Watch Hill rewards you with something you won't forget - a genuine sense of being on top of the world, looking out across the Pennines in one direction and back towards Haltwhistle in the other. It's a proper fell, the kind where you feel the wind on your face and your legs know they've done something.

The summit itself isn't complicated. You're looking at moorland, some rocky outcrops, and views that stretch for miles on a clear day. The actual hill is modest in height, which means it's accessible without being a doddle - a solid walk rather than a full expedition. Most people will take between one and two hours for the round trip, depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top.

Families with confident walkers will manage this fine. It's the sort of place where kids can burn off energy and actually feel they've achieved something real. Fell runners use it too, which tells you it's a proper route rather than a tourist tick-box.

You're spoilt for camping nearby. Stonehaugh Campsite and Hadrian's Wall Campsite both sit at five stars and are within six miles - close enough for a morning or afternoon outing without making a day of it. Herding Hill Farm offers glamping if you want something with a bit more comfort after your walk.

Go when the weather looks settled. On a grey, wet day this becomes a slog with nothing to see. On a decent afternoon, it's the kind of walk you'll suggest to friends planning a trip to the area.