Shepherdskirk Cairn Hill

The climb up Shepherdskirk Cairn Hill rewards you with proper views across the Northumberland borderlands - the kind of vista that makes you understand why people settled here centuries ago. It's not a dramatic peak, but the walk from Berwick-upon-Tweed is straightforward enough for most fitness levels, taking around an hour depending on your pace and how often you stop to catch your breath.

What you get at the top is a stone cairn marking the summit, with sight lines stretching towards the Scottish hills on clear days. The surrounding moorland is open and windswept - exactly what you'd expect from this part of the world. Walkers will find it a solid afternoon option; families with young kids might find the exposed terrain a bit much, though determined eight-year-olds have definitely made it.

There's no visitor centre or facilities, so bring water and dress for the weather - conditions can turn quickly up here. Access appears to be free, and you can walk it year-round, though spring and autumn tend to offer the clearest views without the summer crowds or winter mud.

If you're basing yourself at one of the nearby holiday parks - the Barn at Beal is the closest at just over three miles, and South Meadows gets consistently good reviews - Shepherdskirk fits nicely into a walking-focused trip. It pairs well with other Northumberland moorland walks and makes a decent half-day excursion. Worth the detour if you're in the area, though don't expect anything fancy.