Ravens Crag

The walk up Ravens Crag isn't long, but it's relentless. Starting from near Alnwick, you're climbing pretty much straight away through moorland that gets steeper the higher you go. The summit itself sits at just over 350 metres, which doesn't sound like much until you're actually there, breathing hard and realising how exposed everything suddenly becomes.

What makes it worthwhile is the view north across the Cheviot Hills. On a clear day - and you'll want to time it for clear, frankly - the vista stretches properly far. The peak draws a decent mix of walkers, from people doing a quick morning jaunt to proper hikers treating it as part of a longer moorland circuit. It's not a technical climb, just a steep slog on good paths, so families with older kids manage fine. Young children might find the steepness tedious.

The real appeal is how wild it feels despite being only miles from Alnwick. No visitor centre, no facilities, no queues. You turn up and walk. Allow a couple of hours for the full ascent and descent, depending on fitness and how long you linger at the top. Spring and early autumn work best when the weather's most stable.

If you're camping at River Breamish Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite just down the valley, Ravens Crag makes a cracking morning or afternoon activity. It's proper hill country, properly Northumbrian, and definitely worth the effort.