Weetwood Moor

The walk up Weetwood Moor takes you onto proper exposed moorland with views that stretch across the Cheviot Hills and down towards Wooler. It's not a brutal climb - the ridge itself is manageable - but the wind can be fierce up there, so come prepared. The landscape feels genuinely wild; no ice cream van at the top, just heather and sky and the occasional golden eagle if you're lucky.

This one suits walkers who actually want a walk rather than a photo opportunity. You're looking at a couple of hours round trip from Wooler depending on your pace and which route you take up. Families with older kids will manage fine, though very young ones might find the exposed sections a bit much. The moorland itself is fairly featureless once you're up there - beautiful in its own way, but don't expect dramatic rock formations or sudden vistas. It's the journey and the views outward that matter here.

Based near Wooler at either Riverside Wooler or Highburn House, you're ideally positioned. Highburn House especially (4.8-star spot) makes a solid base for this walk and the wider Cheviot range. The moor is free to access, year-round, though winter conditions can make it sketchy. Spring through early autumn is your sweet spot - better light, more reliable ground underfoot, and the heather comes alive in late summer. It's a genuine hill walk, not a casual amble, so treat it accordingly.