Black Combe

The climb up Black Combe from Millom takes you out of the Lake District tourist belt entirely, which is rather the point. It's a proper fell walk - nothing fancy, just fell grass and bog and the sort of views that make you understand why people move to Cumbria and never leave.

At 600 metres it's not going to knacker you, but the route from the south is relentless enough that you'll feel like you've earned your spot at the top. On a clear day you get the Isle of Man, the Irish Sea, and the whole sweep of the Lake District fells to the east. The view west towards the coast is what keeps people coming back though - something about that expanse of water and sky that's properly humbling.

This is walker territory. Families with young kids will find it tiring rather than fun, though older teenagers who like a graft will manage fine. Expect to be out for a solid three hours either way. There's no visitor infrastructure whatsoever - no car park, no facilities, just a quiet Cumbrian fell with its head above the clouds most days.

If you're based at Harbour Lights Campsite near Millom, this is an obvious day out. It's close enough that you can do it without making it the whole trip, but distinctive enough that it breaks up a park holiday nicely. Go early if you want any chance of that view - cloud rolls in fast from the Irish Sea.