Tosson Hill

The walk up Tosson Hill rewards you with proper 360-degree views across Northumberland's rolling moorland - the kind of vista that makes you forget how many times you've climbed a British hill and convinced yourself this one wouldn't be worth it. It's a genuine peak worth your legs, offering sight lines toward the Cheviot Hills and across farmland that stretches toward Morpeth in the distance.

You're looking at a straightforward moorland walk rather than technical climbing. Most people manage the ascent in under an hour, though you'll want to allow longer if you're bringing younger legs or fancy sitting at the top with a flask. There's nothing clever required - just decent boots and some weather sense, because wind up here doesn't mess about.

Walkers will get genuine satisfaction from this one. Families with capable children who can manage a steady incline will find it rewarding rather than punishing. History types won't find much to occupy them here, but that's rather the point - it's pure landscape, no interpretive boards or heritage infrastructure.

The moorland character means it's free to access, and there's no formal infrastructure to speak of. Timing matters though. Go early on a clear day and you'll have the place to yourself; weekends in summer bring more company. Winter can be bleak and boggy depending on conditions.

If you're based at Whitton Glebe or Riverside Rothbury - both solid park choices - Tosson Hill makes an excellent half-day outing that'll slot into a wider walking holiday without dominating your schedule.