Earl's Seat

The walk up Earl's Seat rewards you with proper views across Northumberland - you're looking out over the Tyne Valley towards the Pennines on a clear day. It's a straightforward hill walk from near Hexham, nothing technical, just steady climbing through woodland that opens out onto moorland as you gain height.

The summit itself isn't dramatic - no trig point or grand cairn - but that's rather the point. You get the feeling of genuine upland without the crowds you'd find elsewhere. The whole outing takes a couple of hours depending on your pace and which approach you take. Walkers and hill-baggers will find it satisfying; families with younger children might find it a bit of a slog without the payoff of a dramatic viewpoint.

If you're based at one of the nearby parks - Kielder Waterside, Landal Kielder Waterside, or Kielder Campsite are all within striking distance - Earl's Seat makes for a decent half-day excursion to break up a longer stay. The moorland setting means weather can change fast, so check conditions before heading out. There's parking available at the start of the walk, and it won't cost you a penny to climb it.

Go when the heather's blooming in late summer if you can. The hills look less brown and the light's usually better. Worth the detour from your holiday base, but don't expect solitude - word's out about this one.