Wooplaw Edge

The walk up Wooplaw Edge near Otterburn is straightforward enough, but the payoff is worth every breath on the climb. You get proper views across the Northumberland hills - moorland rolling away in every direction, with the forest patches breaking up the landscape like a patchwork quilt. On a clear day, the visibility is excellent.

It's not technically demanding, which makes it ideal for families with older kids or anyone after a decent leg-stretch without the scrambling. Allow a couple of hours for the round trip depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top. The moorland can be boggy after rain, so decent boots are essential rather than optional.

This works well as part of a wider Northumberland walking holiday. Border Forest Holiday Park sits just 5.7 miles away and makes a solid base for exploring the area - you can tackle Wooplaw Edge as a morning outing before heading elsewhere. The landscape around here doesn't feel as crowded as some Scottish peaks, which is genuinely refreshing.

Winter visits are possible but wind can be relentless at the summit, so timing matters. Spring and early autumn tend to offer the best conditions without the midges that plague summer months. It's the sort of place that rewards turning up early and having the moorland mostly to yourself - crowds aren't really an issue here.