Tunstall Hills

The walk up Tunstall Hills rewards you with proper panoramic views across County Durham - on a clear day you can see for miles from the top. It's not a dramatic peak by any stretch, more a substantial rolling hill that makes for a solid afternoon's ramble rather than a proper fell expedition. The surrounding moorland gives you a real sense of space, which is precisely why folk round here rate it.

Walkers will get the most from this one. There's nothing fancy at the summit - no café, no signposted loop, just open country and the satisfaction of having climbed something. You're looking at a couple of hours up and down depending on which route you take from Peterlee, so it's manageable without being trivial. Bring decent boots if the ground's been wet; the paths can get boggy.

If you're based at The Barn at Easington, just six miles away, Tunstall Hills makes an excellent half-day excursion to break up a park holiday. It's the sort of walk that keeps you active without eating into time you might want to spend at the accommodation itself. Go early morning or late afternoon to avoid crowds - though truthfully you won't find many people up here whatever time you pitch up. The views justify the effort, but don't expect facilities or refreshments nearby. Bring water.