Turfy Knowe

The walk up Turfy Knowe is a straightforward ramble from the Kielder area, and it rewards you with genuine 360-degree views across Northumberland without the fanfare of the big-name peaks. At 1,417 feet, it's hardly a mountain, but don't let that fool you - the vistas stretch for miles on a clear day, and you can see right across the Kielder Forest plantations that dominate this corner of the north-east.

It's the sort of climb that takes most people around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on fitness and how often you stop to catch your breath. The terrain is moorland and grass - hence the name - so it's straightforward walking without scrambling or technical nonsense. Families with teenagers will get on fine here; younger children might find it a bit of a slog, but the payoff at the top tends to keep morale up.

Based near Hexham, you're in proper hiking country, and Turfy Knowe slots nicely into a wider Kielder Forest outing. The nearby holiday parks - Kielder Waterside and Lodges, Landal Kielder Waterside, and the Kielder Campsite - put you within striking distance for a few days exploring the forest trails and water sports. It's free to walk, naturally, and there's no gimmicky visitor centre or café to worry about. Just you, the hill, and decent views. Go midweek if you can; weekends here attract more of a crowd than you'd expect.