Allan Tarn

The walk in to Allan Tarn takes you through proper Lakeland fell scenery - moorland rising either side, the kind of place where you'll actually see fell runners training. It's a small mountain lake, nothing vast, but that's rather the point. The water sits at around 450 metres and catches the light in a way that bigger, busier lakes don't.

This is one for walkers who know what they're after. You won't find facilities or a visitor centre - it's just the tarn, the fells, and whatever weather decides to throw at you that day. The approach from Ulverston side is steady rather than brutal, making it accessible for reasonably fit families, though kids need to be old enough to manage a proper uphill slog. Allow a good three hours return, longer if you're taking photographs or having a sit-down.

It works brilliantly as part of a broader fell day if you're staying at Newby Bridge Country Caravan Park - that's about five miles away, making it a realistic morning or afternoon outing without needing to drive far. The tarn itself is free, of course. Go midweek if possible; weekends draw the Instagram crowd, which rather spoils the peaceful fell experience you came for. Early autumn is decent - less midges, clearer light for the views back towards Morecambe Bay.