Ashstead Fell

The walk up Ashstead Fell near Kendal rewards you with proper Lake District views without the crowds you'd find on the honeypot peaks. It's a modest fell - nothing that'll take your breath away fitness-wise - but the terrain is interesting enough to keep you engaged, and on a clear day you're looking across the fells toward Windermere.

You'll find grass moorland, a decent path for most of the way, and the kind of light exposure that makes you feel like you've actually climbed something. Walkers get the most out of it. Families with young children might find it a touch steep for what it is, though determined kids aged eight upwards will manage fine. History buffs won't find much to grab hold of - this is all about the fell itself, not any heritage baggage.

The walk takes roughly two hours return from the nearest road access, depending on your pace and how long you linger at the top. There's no visitor facilities on the fell itself, so bring water and something to eat. No entry fee that we can find - it's open country.

If you're based at Two Acre Glamping Pods or Kendal Camping and Caravanning Club Site - both excellent, by the way - Ashstead Fell works as a decent half-day outing before heading to bigger walks elsewhere in the area. It's the sort of place to try if you want to stretch your legs without committing to a six-hour expedition.