Binsey

Binsey rises quietly from the fells north of Keswick - a modest 1,191 metres that punches above its weight on a clear day. The walk up from Ormathwaite is straightforward enough, around two hours round trip, and the path's well-trodden without being rammed with crowds. What makes it worthwhile is the view west across to Skiddaw and beyond, all the way to the Scottish border on a decent afternoon.

This is proper walker territory rather than a tourist trap. You won't find benches or a café at the top - just open fell, wind, and that particular Lake District silence. Families with capable kids will manage it fine; young children or reluctant hikers might find the final push a bit slog for what's admittedly a fairly barren summit. There's no scrambling or technical nonsense, which makes it appealing to people who like the views without the drama.

Timing-wise, get up early if you're visiting in summer - the car parks around here fill quickly and you want decent light for photographs. Winter transforms it entirely; snow can linger longer on the higher ground, and visibility drops fast once clouds roll in. Free to climb, as with all the Lakeland fells.

If you're based at Kestrel Lodge Campsite or Skiddaw View Holiday Park nearby, Binsey makes a decent morning excursion before tackling something more ambitious like Skiddaw itself. It's the sort of walk that justifies a full day in the hills without demanding a summit tick that feels like work.