Lough Hill

The walk up Lough Hill near Morpeth is proper straightforward, which makes it all the more annoying when you reach the top and realise you've missed the best bits. The view from the summit sweeps across the rolling Northumberland countryside - nothing dramatic, nothing that'll make you gasp, but genuinely pleasant on a clear day. You get a real sense of the landscape stretching away towards the Cheviots, especially if the light's right.

For walkers based at Whitton Glebe or Riverside Rothbury, this is an easy afternoon job - maybe forty minutes up if you're not rushing, similar coming down. It's not taxing enough to feel like proper exercise, but it beats a loop around the caravan park. Families with younger kids will manage it without complaints, though there's not much to do once you're up there beyond eat a sandwich and take photos.

The real value here is that it slots nicely into a longer day out. You could combine it with walking in the Coquet Valley or exploring Morpeth itself - the town's got a decent high street and the castle grounds are worth an hour. The hill itself is free to access and there are no defined opening hours; just turn up whenever suits. Don't expect facilities at the top - bring water and snacks with you.

Honestly? If you're already in the area for a park holiday, go on up. It's a satisfying little achievement. But don't drive across the region specially for it.