St. Gregory's Hill

Climbing St. Gregory's Hill rewards you with one of those rare Northumberland views that makes the huff uphill entirely worthwhile. The peak sits just south of Wooler, rising cleanly above the surrounding farmland, and on a clear day you can see right across to the Cheviot range. It's not a bruising climb - barely 400 metres of elevation - but it's steep enough in places to get your legs working properly.

The hill itself is moorland, bracken and grass underfoot, with a decent path most of the way up. What makes it special is the sheer ease of access combined with the quality of the panorama. You're looking at walkers and fell runners mainly, plus the odd family with older kids who don't mind a proper push. Bring decent boots though - it can be boggy on the upper slopes even when it's been dry elsewhere.

Allow 90 minutes for the round trip without dawdling. Start early if you can, especially in summer when the views are sharpest. It's free and open year-round, though winter can make it a bit of a slog in wet conditions.

If you're staying at Highburn House or Riverside Wooler, this is an obvious half-day expedition. Wooler itself is a solid base - proper little market town with decent pubs - and the hill sits perfectly as a warm-up walk before tackling the more serious stuff in the Cheviot foothills.