Hawsen Craggs

The walk up Hawsen Craggs rewards you with one of the Cheviots' most dramatic viewpoints. It's not a massive fell by any stretch - you're looking at a straightforward hike from Wooler that takes most people a couple of hours up and back - but the views across the Northumberland moorland are genuinely commanding. On a clear day the ridge walk is properly exhilarating, with steep drops on either side keeping you honest.

This isn't a casual family stroll. The path gets rocky and exposed towards the summit, so it's best suited to walkers who are comfortable on rough ground and don't mind a bit of exposure. That said, the ascent isn't brutally steep, and anyone with decent fitness will manage it fine. The real appeal is the solitude - you'll often have the ridgeline to yourself, which is rare this close to a decent-sized town.

Wooler sits just a few miles south and makes a logical base for exploring the wider Cheviot range. Highburn House Caravan Park is the closest overnight option at 3.8 miles out, with decent reviews, and Riverside Wooler Holiday Park offers another possibility if you prefer being right on the edge of town. Both put you within striking distance of several good walks.

The best time is late spring through early autumn when the weather is most predictable and the daylight hours long. There's no visitor centre or facilities at the summit itself - bring what you need. It's free to access, of course. If you're after genuine Cheviot atmosphere without the crowds of Hadrian's Wall, this is worth the detour.