East Hill

You'll spot East Hill looming over Alnwick the moment you arrive in town, and yes, it's worth the climb. It's a proper fell walk rather than a stroll, but nothing that'll wipe you out for the rest of the day. The ascent takes about twenty minutes if you're reasonably fit, and the views across the Aln Valley and towards the Cheviots pay for the effort. On a clear day you can see right across Northumberland's rolling countryside - the kind of vista that reminds you why people bother with walking boots.

The summit itself is modest. There's no café or viewing platform, just open moorland with the wind in your face and a concrete trig point. It suits walkers far more than casual visitors. Families with young children will find it a bit of a slog, though older kids who've built up some stamina won't mind. History buffs might appreciate the fact you're looking down on Alnwick Castle from above - a perspective most tourists miss while queuing at the gates.

It's free, naturally, and you can do it in under an hour if you're pressed for time. Early morning is best to avoid the haze. If you're staying at River Breamish Caravan and Motorhome Club Campsite just over a mile away, this makes a cracking morning outing before heading back for breakfast. The walk connects well with other Northumberland rambles, so don't treat it as a one-off.