Nanny's Hill

The walk up Nanny's Hill rewards you with proper views across the Northumberland hills - the kind that make you understand why people come back to this part of the world. It's not a massive undertaking, nothing that'll have you cursing halfway up, but it does demand you use your legs.

From the summit you can see for miles on clear days. The landscape unfolds in those subtle shades of green and purple that the Pennines do so well. On misty mornings it's atmospheric. On bright afternoons it's just lovely. The actual peak is moorland rather than dramatic cliff-edge stuff, but that's rather the point - you're earning the view through proper walking, not just standing at some tourist spot.

This works well for families who don't need everything handed to them on a plate, and for walkers based around Hexham looking for something less crowded than the main Hadrian's Wall trails. You'll want two to three hours depending on your pace and how long you dawdle at the top. There's no shop, no café - bring what you need.

If you're camping at Stonehaugh or Hadrian's Wall Campsite nearby, this slots in perfectly as a morning or afternoon walk. Both sites are genuinely excellent. Herding Hill Farm, a bit further out, is worth considering if you want glamping comforts rather than just a tent pitch. The hill itself is free - that's the Northumberland way.