Yeavering Bell

The walk up Yeavering Bell is proper steep, I won't lie about that. This Iron Age hill fort near Wooler commands the landscape with its ancient earthworks still clearly visible after two millennia - two concentric rings of defensive ditches that tell you immediately this was somewhere people took seriously. The summit sits at 361 metres, which doesn't sound vast until you're huffing up the northern slope in the Cheviot wind.

What makes it worth the effort is the sheer dominance of the view. You can see for miles across the Cheviots and down into the Till valley, and on a clear day you'll spot the Northumberland coast. The actual remains are understated - no reconstructions or fancy interpretation boards - just the ramparts themselves and the knowledge that Celtic tribes once defended this ground. History enthusiasts and walkers serious about their legs will get the most from it; casual strollers might find the approach a bit punishing for what amounts to grassy humps at the top.

There's no charge and no facilities up there, so bring water. Allow two hours round trip if you're fit. The landscape around Wooler is absolutely made for a caravan holiday - Highburn House and Riverside Wooler are both within easy reach for a base, and this fort sits perfectly alongside days exploring the Cheviots properly. Go early morning to avoid the afternoon crowds from the village.