Stobbs Cross

The walk up Stobbs Cross rewards you with one of those views that makes you forget how tired your legs are. It's a proper Northumberland peak that doesn't require rock climbing skills or specialist gear - just a decent pair of boots and maybe two hours of your time depending on fitness. The summit sits at a decent height without being Alpine, and on a clear day the Tyne Valley spreads out beneath you like someone's laid it on a map.

You'll find it best suits walkers who want a genuine hill experience without the full commitment of the Pennines. Families with older kids will manage it fine, though younger ones might find the slog tedious. It's the sort of walk where the effort is genuine enough that you feel you've earned the view at the top.

Hexham makes the obvious base - it's close enough that you can do this walk and still have the afternoon free. If you're staying at Panoramic Pods or Langley Dam Glamping, both within striking distance, Stobbs Cross slots nicely into a long weekend of hill walking and exploring the valley. The approach from Hexham side is the most straightforward, though parking can be tight on weekends.

Timing matters here. Early morning or a weekday visit means fewer people at the summit, which is worth knowing if you're hoping for those clear sightlines. Weather moves fast across Northumberland, so check conditions before you head out - a misty day up here is basically just a soggy trudge.