King's Hill

The walk up King's Hill rewards you with proper views across Northumberland's rolling moorland - the sort of vistas that make the climb worthwhile even on a drizzly afternoon. It's not a massive peak, but it punches above its weight. From the top you can see right across the valleys towards Hexham and beyond, and on a clear day the sweep of the Pennines sits on the horizon like a promise.

This is walkers' territory. It's the kind of place where you'll spend two to three hours comfortably, though fit types can knock it out faster. The moorland terrain is fairly open, so you're exposed to whatever weather decides to roll in - bring proper kit. Families with older kids will manage fine; the younger ones might grumble at the lack of drama halfway up.

There's no café or visitor facilities at the summit itself, so bring water and snacks. The nearest town of Hexham is close enough for a pit stop before or after, and the surrounding campsite options - Stonehaugh and Hadrian's Wall are both within striking distance - make it a natural pairing for a walking holiday in the area. You could easily combine this with other moorland routes in the region without much faffing about.

Free to access, naturally. Go early on weekends if you want the place to yourself. The light in late afternoon across these moors is something else.