Shepherds' Cairn

The cairn sits on moorland high above Wooler, a modest stack of stones that's been here for centuries. Walking up takes a proper effort - you're climbing into real hill country - but the views west towards the Cheviots make it worth the legs.

What you're actually looking at is a shepherds' shelter, built by drovers and herders centuries back. It's not exactly the Colosseum. The stones are weathered, the structure's humble, and honestly, without the placard you might walk straight past it. But that's rather the point. This is the kind of thing you stumble on when you're properly exploring the hills around Wooler, not somewhere you'd drive an hour out of your way to tick off.

Historyfolk and walkers get the most from it. Kids will manage the walk if they're used to hills, though there's not much to do once you're there beyond looking around and taking photos of the landscape. Allow an hour including the hike up, maybe two if you're dawdling.

If you're based at River Breamish Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite just down the valley, it's a natural extension to a morning walk. The moorland around Wooler is excellent for that sort of thing - the cairn's just a focal point really. There's no entrance fee because there's nothing to gate off. Go on a clear day. Cloud rolls in fast up here and you'll see nothing but mist.