Simonside Car Park Walk

The car park itself is nothing to write home about - it's just a layby really, wedged into the Northumberland moorland near Morpeth. But that's entirely the point. From here, you get straight onto some genuinely good walking that rewards you with proper views across the Coquet Valley and beyond. The path climbs through heather and bracken, nothing too technical, though it can be boggy after rain so wear proper boots. Allow a couple of hours for the round trip if you're not charging about.

This is walker territory, no question. It's the sort of place families with school-age kids will manage fine, though toddlers would struggle with the rough ground. The views from the top make the leg work worthwhile - on a clear day you can see for miles. Come early morning or late afternoon to avoid the midday crowds; weekday winter visits are particularly lovely when the light's low and golden.

Whitton Glebe Caravan Park sits just 1.3 miles away, making this an excellent walk to slot into a longer Northumberland holiday. Riverside Rothbury Holiday Park is another two miles down the road, equally close. The moorland here forms part of the broader walking network around the Cheviots, so you can string together several days' worth of rambles without repeating yourself. It's free, naturally, and the car park rarely gets rammed. Worth the detour if you're in the area.