Pedler Hill

The walk up Pedler Hill from Hexham takes you through proper Northumberland countryside - moorland that rolls on forever with views that genuinely stop you in your tracks. It's not a difficult climb, more a steady plod that rewards you at the top with sight lines stretching across the Tyne Valley. On a clear day you can pick out the Cheviot Hills way off to the north. The summit itself is modest - no dramatic rock formation or cairn to pose against - but that's almost the point. You're standing on open moorland with the wind in your face and barely another soul about.

This is a walk for people who actually enjoy walking, not those after a quick Instagram moment. Budget two to three hours depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top. The terrain is mixed underfoot - grassland and some boggy patches if it's been wet, so proper boots matter. It's free and there's no facilities to speak of, so bring what you need.

If you're staying at one of the nearby parks - Wild Northumbrian Tipis is excellent value and only 3.6 miles away - Pedler Hill makes a cracking afternoon sortie. Kielder Waterside sits closer to the water if you want a mix of walking and lake views instead. The route from Hexham is straightforward enough but parking can be tight on weekends. Go midweek if you can.