Tarn Rigg

The walk up Tarn Rigg isn't long, but it's properly steep in places and your legs will know about it by the top. This isn't some manicured tourist spot - it's a genuine fell in Northumberland that rewards a bit of graft with views that stretch across the Pennines when the weather plays ball.

From Haltwhistle, you're looking at getting yourself to the starting point first - not a massive trek but you'll need your own transport or a taxi willing to venture out. Once you're up there, the tarn itself is the main draw - dark water surrounded by moorland, and the kind of place where you'll likely have the hill mostly to yourself unless it's peak summer weekends.

Walkers and fell enthusiasts will get something out of this. It's not a destination for people wanting a gentle stroll with a café at the end. Kids who are used to hills and don't need constant distraction will be fine. Most people spend an hour to ninety minutes on the summit before heading back down.

If you're based at Panoramic Pods nearby, this makes a proper morning or afternoon outing - the sort of thing that justifies staying in the area. The fell itself is free to walk on, as most of these hills are. Combine it with exploring the Hadrian's Wall area round Haltwhistle and you've got a solid day sorted.