Sheddon's Hill

The walk up Sheddon's Hill from Stanley takes about twenty minutes if you're moving at a decent pace, and the effort pays off with views across the Tyne Valley that stretch for miles on a clear day. It's not dramatic or Alpine - this is proper North East countryside, rolling and green, the kind of landscape that rewards you for getting out of the car rather than stopping at a layby.

The summit itself is modest, no café or facilities, just a hilltop and the horizon. That's rather the point. Families with young children will manage it fine, though it's steep enough near the top to need a bit of determination. Dog walkers absolutely love it - the paths are clear and there's space for them to properly tire themselves out.

Go on a weekday if you can. Weekends bring the local hiking crowd, and while they're friendly enough, midweek gives you a quieter experience and better chances of actually spotting the landscape without crowds blocking your phone photos.

If you're camping at Beamish Holiday Park or the five-star glamping option just over three miles away, Sheddon's Hill works well as a morning walk before heading to Beamish Museum or exploring the surrounding area. It's the sort of thing that takes two hours maximum and leaves you ready for lunch, which beats paying for another attraction when the weather's decent.