Hartley Moor Top

The walk up Hartley Moor Top rewards you with proper Northumberland views - moorland rolling out in every direction, with the Tyne Valley spreading below. It's not exactly Alpine stuff, but on a clear day you can see right across to the Pennines, which is exactly the sort of thing that makes a moorland walk worthwhile.

This is a straightforward fell walk rather than anything technical. The moor itself is open access land, so you can pitch up whenever you fancy. Most people reckon on an hour or so to get up there from the nearest approach, though it depends on which route you take and how fit you're feeling. The terrain is typical heather and grass moorland - boggy in places, particularly after rain, so decent boots matter.

Walkers will get the most from this one. It's not a destination that'll hold small children for long once they've reached the top, but the walk itself is manageable enough for reasonably active families. There's nothing built up there - no cafe, no facilities - so you'll want to bring water and a packed lunch if you're making a proper day of it.

If you're staying at Panoramic Pods nearby, this gives you a solid afternoon out without having to drive far from base. Hexham's close enough if you need supplies beforehand. The best light for photographs comes late afternoon, when the sun catches the valley properly. Go early in the day if you want to avoid other walkers, though it rarely gets properly crowded.