Wheelrig Head

The walk up Wheelrig Head rewards you with views that justify the effort - proper fell walking without the altitude guilt. It's a modest peak by any standard, but the surrounding moorland opens up as you climb, and on a clear day you can see across the North Tyne valley towards the Pennines. The terrain's manageable underfoot once you get onto the ridge, though the initial approach from Hexham side involves a fair bit of boggy ground. Allow two to three hours for a steady round trip if you're starting from the lower slopes.

Walkers will get the most from this one. There's no dramatic summit feature, no trig point drama - just good views and the satisfaction of reaching higher ground. Kids might find it a bit relentless if they're not keen on moorland, and there's nowhere to shelter if the weather turns. The access is straightforward from near Hexham, making it ideal for a half-day outing rather than a full expedition.

If you're based at Kielder Campsite nearby, this works as a morning walk before heading to the water for the afternoon. The moorland character feels wild and remote, which is saying something this close to civilisation. Go when the ground's drier - spring or late summer - because winter can be genuinely boggy and unrewarding. It's not the most spectacular fell in Northumberland, but it's solid enough for a good stride out.