Whinnel Hill

The walk up Whinnel Hill from Stanley takes about twenty minutes if you're not dawdling, though frankly most people do. It's not a dramatic peak - nothing like the fells further west - but the views across the Tyne Valley are genuinely excellent, and on a clear day you can see right across to the Pennines. The summit itself is modest, topped with moorland and gorse, but that's partly what makes it appealing. No tourist machinery, no visitor centre, just you and the landscape.

Walkers will find this one worthwhile, especially if you're based at Beamish Glamping or Beamish Holiday Park nearby. It fits nicely into a half-day outing if you're exploring the area around Beamish Museum - you could knock out the hill walk in the morning and spend the afternoon somewhere less strenuous. Families with older kids who don't mind a bit of a hike will manage fine. Younger ones might find it dull once they reach the top, if I'm honest.

The path is straightforward enough, though it can get boggy after rain, so decent boots are sensible. There's no admission charge to speak of - it's just a hill. Allow a couple of hours if you're taking your time and want to sit about at the top with a flask. Winter visits are possible but visibility can be rough. Summer mornings are your best bet for clarity and for avoiding the worst of the mud.