Angletarn Pikes

The twin peaks of Angletarn Pikes rise sharply above the landscape between Penrith and Ullswater, and on a clear day the walk up rewards you with proper fell views across the Lake District. It's not a massive summit - you're looking at around 1,860 feet - but the steepness of the approach means you earn the vista without needing crampons or serious mountaineering kit.

The walk itself takes roughly two to three hours depending on your fitness and which route you choose. Most people start from the small car park near Howtown on the eastern shore of Ullswater and head up through bracken and loose scree. The terrain is a bit rough underfoot - wear proper boots, not trainers - and it can get boggy in the lower sections after rain. The twin summits are close together, so you get two little moments of triumph rather than one, which feels generous.

Walkers will absolutely get their money's worth here. This isn't a casual stroll; it's a proper fell walk for people who actually enjoy climbing. Families with young children might find the steepness a slog, though determined kids aged ten upwards could manage it with breaks. The views back towards Penrith and out across the fells make the exertion worthwhile.

If you're camping nearby - and Sykeside Camping Park and Crossgate Luxury Glamping are both within striking distance - Angletarn Pikes makes an excellent morning or afternoon outing. It's free to climb, obviously, since it's fell country. Go midweek if you can; weekends pull crowds from the Penrith area.