Derecroft

Rolling hills and dense woodland make this corner of County Durham feel wonderfully remote despite being just a stone's throw from Newcastle. The landscape here is all former mining country, where old colliery sites have been reclaimed by nature and turned into proper walking territory.

Pontop Pike offers cracking views across the Derwent Valley - on a clear day you can see right to the Pennines. It's a decent climb but well worth it. The surrounding Pontop Woods make for lovely rambling, especially in autumn when the leaves turn. For something a bit different, the Leadgate Maze viewing platform gives you a bird's eye view of the area's patchwork fields and forests.

History buffs will find plenty to poke about in. Lanchester Roman Fort, known as Longovicium, is one of the best-preserved Roman sites in the northeast. The old Cornsay Colliery drifts tell a different story - County Durham's industrial past written in brick and stone. Less dramatic but equally fascinating are the Whinfield Coking Ovens, remnants of when coal was king around here.

Getting here is straightforward enough from Newcastle or Durham city - about 20 minutes by car through proper countryside. The nearest train station is at Chester-le-Street, though you'll need wheels to explore properly. Consett makes a decent base for supplies, just 15 minutes north.

Staying at one of the local parks puts you right in the thick of the area's best walking country. You've got multiple woodlands on your doorstep - Pontburn Wood, Bradley Wood, and Billingside Wood all offer different flavours of Durham forest. Black Plantation is particularly good for wildlife watching if you're quiet about it.