Bakethin Weir

The weir itself is modest - a simple stone structure crossing the North Tyne where it narrows near Hexham. What makes it worth knowing about is the walk. You'll find it just beyond Kielder, where the river tumbles through proper woodland and the air feels genuinely wild. The weir creates a small pool that catches the light nicely, and it's one of those spots where you get a genuine sense of how the Victorians engineered their way through the landscape without bothering with fancy visitor centres.

It's really a walk's destination rather than a stand-alone attraction. The surrounding forest is the main draw - ancient woodland with decent trails that'll keep families occupied for a couple of hours. Children who like spotting wildlife or splashing about in streams will get far more from it than those expecting manicured paths and interpretive boards. Hikers heading to or from Kielder will find it a logical stop. The admission is free, as it should be for a working bit of infrastructure, and there's no faffing about with opening times.

If you're staying at one of the nearby campsite options - Landal Kielder Waterside, Kielder Waterside and Lodges, or the simpler Kielder Campsite - this makes a decent morning walk before heading back for lunch. It's not going to be the highlight of your holiday, but it's a worthwhile detour if you're already in the area exploring Kielder Forest. Don't expect crowds or facilities. That's precisely why it works.