The Sele

The Sele sits just outside Hexham, a stretch of riverside walk that local walkers swear by but rarely makes the guidebooks. It's not dramatic - no waterfalls or clifftop vistas - but if you're after a proper moorland riverside walk without the crowds, this does the job well.

You're walking alongside the North Tyne here, with the water doing most of the talking. The path winds through scrub and grassland, nothing manicured, which is exactly the appeal. Birdwatchers come for lapwing and curlew in spring. In summer it's quiet enough that you might spot deer if you're patient. The terrain's gentle, no scrambles, so it works for families who don't want a full fell walk, though under-eights might struggle with the length.

Allow a couple of hours if you want to see the best of it without rushing. There's no visitor centre, café, or facilities - bring water and a snack. The access is straightforward from Hexham itself, making it an easy morning's walk before heading elsewhere. It's free, obviously, and works well alongside a stay at Springhouse Boutique Holiday Park if you're looking for something low-key between bigger expeditions to Hadrian's Wall or the higher fells. Go early if the weather looks decent. Midweek in shoulder seasons beats weekends.