Nr Otterburn

Empty moorland stretches to every horizon here, broken only by ancient stone circles and the ghostly remains of medieval battles. This is proper wilderness country, where the A696 cuts through endless heather and the Scottish border feels tantalizingly close. Otterburn itself sits quietly in the valley, a working village that doesn't make much fuss about its dramatic setting.

The countryside around here rewards those willing to walk. Coquet Head offers serious hiking across trackless moor, while Grindstone Law and Park Law provide cracking views without too much effort. Three Kings Stone Circle sits mysteriously on the hillside - worth the trek for the atmosphere alone. Border Viewpoint does exactly what it says, giving you a proper look across into Scotland.

This isn't chocolate box Northumberland. The landscape feels ancient and slightly menacing, especially when the mist rolls in. Thirl Moor and Brownhart Law rise like sleeping giants from the heather, while places like Hungry Law live up to their ominous names.

Getting here means following the A696 from Newcastle - about an hour's drive through increasingly wild country. Bellingham is your nearest proper town with shops and services, a fifteen-minute drive south. The area feels genuinely remote, which is exactly the point.

Staying at one of the nearby parks makes perfect sense if you want to explore the Cheviot Hills properly. Wild Northumbrian Tipis & Yurts and Kielder Campsite put you right in the thick of it, while Border Forest Holiday Park offers a good base for walking the moors. The dark skies here are magnificent - some of the best stargazing in England when the clouds clear.